The red algae Griffithsia is native to coral reefs around the Canary Island. This can potentially be used as medicine to treat Covid-19.
Drug manufacturers and scientists are looking more than ever for marine genetic resources. Is it possible to find corona virus treatment somewhere in oceans? The first HIV medicine comes from marine organisms.
Chemical warfare
An increasing number of medicines come from marine organisms. They have genes that survive in dark and hostile environments. The logic is that if they can survive there, they must have genes or properties that can be useful for human health as medicine. Organisms living on the sea floor or without a protective shell like sea sponge and corals need to find ways protect themselves. Chemicals are often the solution. They need to attract some species and keep others at distance.
This has forced organisms to develop a complex chemical warfare. And this is where scientists believe we can find ways to combat diseases on land.
The red algae
It is actually a possibility that we can find organisms that help us fight virus, like the corona. The anti viral protein Griffithsin discovered in the red algae Griffithsia has properties that can work against the corona virus.
Medicines and money
The market for marine biotechnology is growing fast. So are the worries about who will own the rights. After all, most of what is taken from the ocean is from international waters, outside countries’ exclusive economic zones. Anyone who wants to develop products and make money from international waters can do that. Developing countries fear that the rich ones will take most of the earnings.
Companies and researchers have so far discovered 34,000 marine products. These can be used for medicines, food and cosmetics. Out of the eight developed for medical use, five of these are used for cancer treatment. Like the tunicate below (Ecteinascidia turbinata).
12.998 genetic sequences are patented. Chemical giant BASF has patented 47 per cent of these. Canola oil is one example where a genetic sequence from an algae is used to improve its omega 3 fatty acids properties.
Preservation at the cost of research?
Discovering and harvesting from the oceans medical depot can be tricky. The UN treaty that is designed to regulate research on marine life is at its final stage. Researchers welcome the treaty but warn that it can limit access to valuable resources. Several point to difficulties of getting research granted by some states. This is related to the convention on biological diversity and in particular the Nagoya-protocol.
States have exclusive fishing- and extraction rights extending 200 nautical miles from land. Beyond this is the open ocean. There is no convention here that protects marine life. The Convention on the High Seas have rules for the use of marine resources. But it doesn’t say how states should use these resources sustainable.
The corona crisis may give a better deal
The convention on the biological diversity was planned to be finalised in April. But the pandemic forced the negotiators to postpone. This can be good news. One of the main objectives with the convention is to unite existing agreements and national legislation.
Developing countries main concern is that developed countries grab most of the resources. Rich countries have far better resources and knowledge to harvest these resources than developing countries. The unequal world remains unequal. More time means this disagreement have better chances to be solved.
Also read: Corona and climate change
