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 global marine pharmaceuticals market size was close to $2.9 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $67 billion by 2031. By comparison, pharma revenues worldwide totaled $1.48 trillion in 2022.