Bioprospecting & international collaborations - the case of the calanolides

Jenta, T. R. and Xu, Z. Q. and Flavin, M. T. (2001) Bioprospecting & international collaborations - the case of the calanolides. [Proceedings Paper]

The chemical diversity inherent in the biological diversity of species found in tropical rainforests provides natural source of unique molecules that can form the basis of pharmaceutical drugs. The calanolides, originally derived from the Sarawakian Bintangor tree, are examples of unique and naturally occurring molecules with good potential for therapeutic application. The discovery and development programmes associated with the calanolides are based on the principles for equitable partnering, as outlined in the 1993 Convention on Biological Diversity. To spearhead the development of the cala11olides and their semi-synthetic derivatives, Sarawak Medi Chem Pharmaceuticals, Inc, was formed in 1996 as a joint enre between the Sarawak Government (through CRAUN Sdn Bhd) and MediChem Research, Inc (which subsequently transferred its intellectual projJe1ty to Advanced Life Sciences, Inc in 1999), Sarawak MediChem's primary developmental drug is its anti-HIV agent, calanolide A, which is currently in Phase I/II clinical development. Calanolide A. has already demonstrated an anti-viral effect in Phase IB studies involving HIV-infected patients. Other calanolides are in Jm-clinical develojmientfor the treatment of tuberculosis and human cytomegalovirus. As a novel business model, Sarawak MediChem is illustrative of how bioprospecting may be approached to mutually benefit the resource-rich country and its technology-rich international partner, through the pmvision of therapies based on natural products.

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Abstract

The chemical diversity inherent in the biological diversity of species found in tropical rainforests provides natural source of unique molecules that can form the basis of pharmaceutical drugs. The calanolides, originally derived from the Sarawakian Bintangor tree, are examples of unique and naturally occurring molecules with good potential for therapeutic application. The discovery and development programmes associated with the calanolides are based on the principles for equitable partnering, as outlined in the 1993 Convention on Biological Diversity. To spearhead the development of the cala11olides and their semi-synthetic derivatives, Sarawak Medi Chem Pharmaceuticals, Inc, was formed in 1996 as a joint enre between the Sarawak Government (through CRAUN Sdn Bhd) and MediChem Research, Inc (which subsequently transferred its intellectual projJe1ty to Advanced Life Sciences, Inc in 1999), Sarawak MediChem's primary developmental drug is its anti-HIV agent, calanolide A, which is currently in Phase I/II clinical development. Calanolide A. has already demonstrated an anti-viral effect in Phase IB studies involving HIV-infected patients. Other calanolides are in Jm-clinical develojmientfor the treatment of tuberculosis and human cytomegalovirus. As a novel business model, Sarawak MediChem is illustrative of how bioprospecting may be approached to mutually benefit the resource-rich country and its technology-rich international partner, through the pmvision of therapies based on natural products.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Available at Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. QH75 A1I61 2000 Call Number
AGROVOC Term:	bioprospecting
AGROVOC Term:	medicinal plants
AGROVOC Term:	biodiversity
AGROVOC Term:	research institutions
AGROVOC Term:	pharmaceutical industry
AGROVOC Term:	international cooperation
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Nor Hasnita Abdul Samat
Date Deposited:	21 Jul 2025 06:36
Last Modified:	21 Jul 2025 06:36
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/692

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