Development of Marine Antimalarial Drug

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by several protozoa belonging to the Plasmodium genus (P. falciparum, P. ovale, P. vivax, P. malariae), of which P. falciparum is the most severe diseases. The treatment of malaria infection occupies an essential place in the history of medicinal and natural product chemistry. The latest breakthrough in the fight against malaria is the discovery of artemisinin, an endoperoxide sesquiterpene from Artemisia annua. It is now expected that the next major advances in the field of antimalarial drugs will be achieved not through the discovery of single effective compounds, but through the introduction of innovative medicines for combination therapy, preferably targeting different stages of the malaria parasite's life cycle. It is hoped that the development of marine lead compounds can bring new breakthroughs in the treatment of malaria. Even single marine organisms (primarily invertebrates such as sponges, tunicates, and soft corals) have an incredible potential to produce large quantities of secondary metabolites. Marine antimalarials are divided into three groups according to their chemical structure including isocyanide-containing derivatives, alkaloids, and endoperoxides.

Fig 1. Isonitrile-, isothiocyanate- and formamide-containing sesquiterpenoids from the sponge Axinella cannabina. (Fattorusso E, et al., 2009)

Our Services

Combining compound class and cell biology expertise with state-of-the-art instrumentation, our drug development and screening biologists provide a service tailored to your needs.

• Marine Microbial Culture
  We mainly extract the required compounds from marine organisms. Our commonly used marine organisms are primarily invertebrates such as sponges, tunicates, and soft corals.
• Active Compounds Extraction
  All extracts are concentrated under reduced pressure and sub samples (200 µg) of each extract are submitted for biological evaluation.
• Plasmodium In Vitro Culture
  Plasmodium falciparum is cultured by the method of Trager and Jensen.
• Antiplasmodium Activity Assay of Marine Antimalarial Compounds
  We measure the DNA content of the parasite using a fluorometric method for measuring the inhibitory properties of the extract.
• Cytotoxicity Assay of Marine Antimalarial Compounds
• Enzyme leakage assays
• Membrane impermeable dyes
• Amine-reactive dyes
• Dye combination live
• Identification of Marine Antimalarial Compounds
  We identify active compounds by NMR.

Our Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) Analysis

Extensive small molecule experience provides an extensive in-house database of 600 assays, with more assays being added continuously. Our HRMS systems front end with micro and nano flow capabilities

• Small molecules, peptides, proteins, oligonucleotides
• Experience with unstable metabolites, endogenous compounds
• Human resource management system equipment
• Nano flow, micro flow

CD BioSciences is a professional service provider for the marine biology industry. Our marine antimalarial drug development services can ensure that the most suitable methods and techniques are selected for your project. We provide our customers with the most precise ingredient data and highly informed process expertise. Our team of biomass experts plays a key role in the formulation, optimization and commercial evaluation of biomass value-added processes in industry and academia. If necessary, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

• Fattorusso E, Taglialatela-Scafati O. Marine antimalarials[J]. Marine Drugs, 2009, 7(2): 130-152.

Please kindly note that our services can only be used to support research purposes (Not for clinical use).