Advancing the NP in the Caribbean Exploring Potential Opportunities The Caribbean Islands and Bio-Prospecting Challenges – Lack of Legislation, Lack of policies, Lack of Knowledge Researching Universities, infringement on Traditional Knowledge
Advancing the NP in the Caribbean Project Outcomes ∗ One of the biggest problem is being able to prove location ∗ Example, over the last 50 yrs the US FDA approved 92 drugs 10 of which were found to have sources from 5 plant varieties that may have been accessed in the Caribbean. ∗ There are many drugs developed that are thought to have origins in the Caribbean
Advancing the NP in the Caribbean Region
Advancing the NP in the Caribbean Project Summary Cont . ∗ Observations: ∗ The case from the Instituto Clodomiro Picado for corporation is one that we should seek to build on. ∗ A number of venomous vertebrates and venomous invertebrates are of potential interest to the medicinal world today ∗ A great example of south/south corporation to make bioprospecting work for us
Advancing the NP in the Caribbean Region ∗ The venom of vertebrates are sought not just to create antivenom, but as was heard for anti-coagulants ∗ There is much potential in this area with not just snakes but frogs as well ∗ Spiders and scorpions are also being researched in other areas and hold some potential for economic value as well.
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.
Advancing the NP in the Caribbean Generic name (INN) Indication Approval Description Species, References TIROFIBAN Antithrombotic 1998 NP derived Asian Viper, Echis carinatus LEPIRUDIN Anticoagulant 1998 NP derived Medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis EPTIFIBATIDE Antithrombotic 1998 NP derived Florida Ground Rattlesnake, Sistrurus miliarius barbouri BIVALIRUDIN Anticoagulant 2000 NP derived Medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis XENATIDEE Diabetes 2005 NP Gila monster, Heloderma suspectum
Advancing the NP in the Caribbean ∗ Bothrops caribbeaus ∗ Rare, highly venomous pit viper snake. ∗ Closely-related species found in Trinidad and S. America ∗ Venom may have potential as cardiac treatment. ∗ Unauthorized access obtained in the 90’s, currently property of the Kentucky Reptile Zoo. ∗ Venom sold in powdered form US200.00 per gram
Advancing the NP in the Caribbean Region ∗ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/blog/glance-global- antivenoms-market-trends/ ∗ The antivenom market is one potential as the current trend is that the demand for snake antivenom products at present is greater than the supply as only a few countries produce venoms of an adequate quality for antivenom drugs
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
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