Marine-derived fungal metabolites
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| Abstract |
Marine-derived metabolites continue to be a prolific source for bioactive natural products with a high tendency to become drug candidates. Recently, eribulin mesylate (E7389), a synthetic derivative of halichondrin B, was approved by the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the treatment of breast cancer metastases, going under the trade name Halaven. Some other marine-derived pharmaceuticals have likewise already been approved and launched onto the market, including Yondelis (trabectedin), Prialt (ziconotide), Retrovir (zidovudine), Cytosar (cytarabine, Ara-C), and Vira-A (vidarabine, Ara-A). Research interests in marine natural products have increased in the last few decades, in particular with respect to compounds isolated from marine-derived fungi. In this chapter, a historical background of marine-derived pharmaceuticals and fungal metabolites will be presented, including potential classes of bioactive chemical compounds. In addition, a perspective on the sustainability of marine-derived fungi with regard to a continuous supply of bioactive compounds for market needs rather than a pursuit of other strategies such as aquafarming will be discussed. |
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