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The Role of Marine Biotechnology in Novel Drug Discovery and Pharmaceutical Security: A Policy Brief
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Mojtaba Sajjadian   , Sadegh Zarei * |
| Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran , zarei88ss@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (126 Views) |
The discovery of novel pharmaceuticals derived from marine natural resources has emerged as a strategic priority for ensuring global pharmaceutical security. Oceans, with their immense biodiversity, represent a rich and largely untapped reservoir of bioactive compounds possessing anticancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. However, the pathway from discovering these valuable compounds to developing commercial pharmaceutical products faces a fundamental challenge: "sustainable supply." The active substances are produced in minute quantities by marine organisms in their natural habitats, making large-scale harvesting from wild stocks both impractical and ecologically destructive. This policy brief focuses on two strategic domains: the biochemistry of marine natural products (for the identification and extraction of effective compounds) and technologies for the sustainable supply of rare substances (including synthetic biology, industrial fermentation, and controlled aquaculture). Four overarching strategies are proposed: establishing an integrated infrastructure for exploration and screening; advancing synthetic biology and industrial fermentation technologies; empowering human capital and fostering an innovation ecosystem; and developing a regulatory framework with targeted financing mechanisms. The implementation of these strategies would pave the way for reducing dependence on imported pharmaceutical raw materials, contributing to the resolution of the antibiotic resistance crisis, and establishing a marine-based pharmaceutical industry. |
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| Keywords: Marine biotechnology, Natural products, Pharmaceutical security, Sustainable supply, Policy brief |
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Full-Text [PDF 368 kb]
(172 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Policy Brief |
Subject:
Marine Medicine
Received: 2026/02/25 | Accepted: 2026/01/30 | Published: 2026/01/30
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