Advancing the NP in the Caribbean Worldwide estimate: more than 50% - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Advancing the NP in the Caribbean ∗ Worldwide estimate: more than 50% of pharmaceutical product today is derived from or inspired by natural compounds

Vulnerability/Possibility of Caribbean Genetic Resources Bioprospecting Interest in the Caribbean ∗ Caribbean is a biodiversity hotspot ∗ 67.5% of all new marine natural products from invertebrates (NMNPI) were associated with biodiversity hotspots ∗ The Biodiversity hotspots with most NMNPI were ∗ Japan 17.3% ∗ the Caribbean Islands (B) 9.1% ∗ Polynesia-Micronesia 8.3% ∗ Indo-Burma 5.6%

NMNPI accessed in the Caribbean Territory Total NMNPI Antilles (Territory 2 Grenadines 1 not specified) Caribbean (Territory 75 Trinidad and Tobago 80 not specified) Bahamas 572 Guadeloupe 14 (France) Barbados 14 Martinique (France) 59 Belize 135 Puerto Rico (USA) 339 Jamaica 108 Virgin Islands (USA, 64 UK) Curacao 32 Grenada 11 Dominica 55

Advancing the NP in the Caribbean Region

Advancing the NP in the Caribbean Region A new homeopathic drug made of blue scorpion venom cures many types of carcinoma in humans, according to Cuban scientists.

Approved Drugs from NMNPI to 2015 Project Summary Cont .

Advancing the NP in the Caribbean Region ∗ DRUGS FROM CARIBBEAN LAND PLANTS ? ∗ Examined the plant sources for 92 approved drugs ∗ 10 drugs come from 5 plants or varieties which may have been accessed in the Caribbean. ∗ 5 of these drugs are natural products; 5 are NP-derived

Advancing the NP in the Caribbean

Advancing the NP in the Caribbean Region ∗ These findings suggest resources have been accessed and continue to be accessed ∗ But there is potential to have great benefits form the resources we possess ∗ An inventory of species is however necessary so we can know what we have to work with

Conclusion ∗ There are potential benefits to be derived that are currently under explored ∗ There is still illegal access of materials ∗ There is a need to regulate the taking of genetic resources ∗ The countries need to put more emphasis on the regulation of access and put in place programs to ensure adequate benefits are shared from genetic resources