Protecting Ocean Regions With Robotics

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1.1 INCREASING BURDEN OF CHRONIC ILLNESS AND EVER-AGING GLOBAL POPULATION

With the ever-aging international inhabitants and the rising burden of power sickness, there may be an elevated reliance on the healthcare system (significantly the biopharmaceutical {industry}) so as or one to realize and maintain a top quality of life. In accordance with the World Well being Group (WHO), the burden of human ailments have been quickly rising for many years with this pattern predominantly contributed by inhabitants progress and environmental degradation.

1.2 DEFINITION OF MARINE BIOPROSPECTING

Marine bioprospecting is the seek for novel compounds from pure sources within the marine atmosphere. These actions have elevated an excellent deal in the previous couple of years possible partially because of the continued technological advances enabling additional oceanic exploration, acknowledgement of the wealthy generic range within the marine biome, in addition to the strain from {industry} to supply given numerous blockbuster medicine going off patent. In the present day, about 18,000 pure merchandise have been reported from marine organisms belonging to about 4,800 named species. The variety of pure merchandise from marine species is rising at a fee of 4% per 12 months. The rise within the fee of discoveries is essentially the results of technological advances in exploring the ocean and the genetic range it incorporates. Advances in applied sciences for observing and sampling the deep ocean, reminiscent of submersibles and remotely operated autos (ROVs), have opened up beforehand unexplored areas to scientific analysis. Since 1999, the variety of patents of genetic materials from marine species has elevated on the fee of 12% per 12 months. Marine species are about twice as more likely to yield not less than one gene in a patent than their terrestrial counterparts. Bioprospecting sometimes requires the gathering of a really restricted quantity of biomass for the preliminary discovery. Though additional collections could also be required after a promising discovery has been made, bioprospecting usually doesn’t contain threats to biodiversity similar to the massive biomass removals concerned in harvesting assets for meals or mineral exploitation.

1.3 THE SUCCESS OF NATURAL COMPOUNDS IN DRUG DISCOVERY AND BIOPHARMACEUTICAL BACK DROP

Biopharmaceuticals are one of the spectacular achievements of recent science. Many biopharmaceuticals supply excessive efficacy and few unwanted side effects. And there may be far more to come back: radically new ideas are making it to the market, and the advances maintain coming at a speedy tempo. The success of pure compounds in drug discovery is unparalleled: for antimicrobial and anticancer therapies, for instance, greater than 70% of recent chemical entities launched throughout the interval 1981-2002 originated from pure merchandise. It has been estimated by the US Nationwide Most cancers Institute (NCI) that 1% of samples from marine animals examined within the laboratory reveal anti-tumor potential (which compares favorably with simply 0.01% of samples of terrestrial origin). In the previous couple of many years, advances in informatics, automation and imaging expertise have made it potential to display 100,000s – 1,000,000s of small molecules in opposition to a selected organic goal or mobile assay per day, in contrast with 10s-100s of compounds examined on animals over many months beforehand. Rising consciousness of the restrictions of traditionally worthwhile approaches, and breakthroughs in robotics applied sciences, reminiscent of these utilized in separation and construction dedication, have made screening mixtures of structurally advanced pure product molecules simpler, and have expanded the potential position of pure chemical range within the drug discovery course of

2 THE OPPORTUNITY

2.1 AUSTRALIA CONTEXT

Australia is one among solely 17 mega-diverse international locations on this planet and is famend for the distinctiveness of its biota. Australia has a number of options proving enticing to traders and researchers within the pure merchandise space. This contains, not least, entry to a various and distinctive biota. Extra usually, the options of Australia conducive to analysis and industrial exercise embody its sturdy system of regulation and steady democratic system of presidency, its steady and resilient economic system, clear and environment friendly regulatory atmosphere, complete mental property protections and excessive scientific and technological capability. Australia has remained comparatively remoted over time in comparison with most international locations. Consequently, Australia has a excessive proportion of endemic species – that’s, species not occurring naturally elsewhere. For instance, within the case of mammals, roughly 83% are endemic to Australia. Australia’s distinctive marine atmosphere incorporates the world’s largest areas and highest range of tropical and temperate seagrass species and of mangrove species; a number of the largest areas of coral reefs; distinctive ranges of biodiversity for a variety of marine invertebrates; and it’s estimated that round 80% of the southern marine species happen nowhere else on this planet. With solely 0.3% of the world’s inhabitants, Australia contributes 2.5% of the world’s medical analysis and a pair of.9% of worldwide scientific publications (Make investments Australia, 2007, p.6). In 2005, Australia ranked eighth within the OECD when it comes to the proportion of researchers within the whole labor pressure. That is above the OECD common. On a per capita foundation, Australia has a analysis output twice the OECD common. By way of biotechnology analysis, Australia has a number of devoted biotechnology analysis institutes. Australia’s biotechnology {industry} is steadily rising, with exercise throughout biotechnology fields together with biomedicine, agricultural biotechnology, industrial biotechnology and environmental biotechnology. The Australian Authorities is a staunch advocate of the home pharmaceutical {industry} and has been very supportive in implementing initiatives to develop this sector. By any measure, Australian Authorities assist for analysis and growth within the biopharmaceutical {industry} has been and appears to proceed to be robust.

2.2 MARINE BIOME REMAINS UNTAPPED/UNDER-INVESTIGATED-THUS PROSPECTS FOR NEW AND MEANINGFUL FINDINGS ARE SIGNIFICANT

In the present day, biopharmaceuticals generate international revenues of $163 billion, making up about 20 % of the pharma market. It is by far the fastest-growing a part of the {industry}: biopharma’s present annual progress fee of greater than 8 % is double that of standard pharma, and progress is anticipated to proceed at that fee for the foreseeable future. Marine bioprospecting has the potential to additional drive these tendencies. The marine biome stays untapped and below investigated, and thus, completely poised to drive each topline and backside line for a number of stakeholders within the biopharma worth chain. Investing in biotech R&D has yielded higher returns than the pharma-industry common. The present biologics-development pipeline helps an outlook of continued wholesome progress. The variety of biotech patents utilized for yearly has been rising at 25 % yearly since 1995. There are at present greater than 1,500 biomolecules present process scientific trials, and the success fee for biologics has thus far been over twice that of small-molecule merchandise, with 13 % of biopharma merchandise that enter the Section I trial stage occurring to launch. Up to now, sampling of marine merchandise has primarily occurred in easy-to-reach coastal waters. In consequence, 97% of pure merchandise of marine origin are from eukaryotic sources (organisms with advanced cells), with sponges alone accounting for 38% of the merchandise. Nonetheless, the vast majority of the Earth’s metabolic range resides in prokaryotic organisms (single-celled organisms reminiscent of micro organism) and over 99% of the microbial neighborhood of the ocean stays to be explored, so it stands to motive that many extra genetic sequences worthwhile for merchandise are but to be found. There’s a specific curiosity in marine species that stay in excessive environments, reminiscent of hydrothermal vents and seamounts (‘extremophiles’). By the top of 2007, solely 10 compounds had been reported from Deep Ocean and ocean trench environments, with an extra seven recognized in 2010. Fewer than 10 marine pure merchandise have thus far been reported from scorching vent micro organism. Moreover, if we break down the varied ecosystems of our seas and oceans and examine the chemical dynamics, coral reefs have significantly spectacular potential. The corals that we see are literally made up of colonies that construct up and thrive in an atmosphere the place vitamins are low. Though coral reefs solely occupy 0.1% of the world’s ocean floor, they’re one of the various ecosystems on earth, internet hosting ~25% of all marine species. The give attention to the coral reef ecosystem as a goal place for medicinal functions just isn’t a brand new idea. As early because the 14th century, coral reefs have been a recognized supply for medicines. One observe at the moment is the usage of fish gall bladder to deal with venomous stings from marine organisms. In the present day, coral reefs have already contributed its title within the pharmaceutical {industry} as one of many supply of biochemical compounds for brand spanking new medicine and the probabilities are countless. The chance transferring ahead is substantial.

2.3 SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF SUCCESSFUL MARINE BIOPROSPECTING

2.3.1 Aplidin

One of many early biochemical compounds derived from the ocean is Didemnin, a compound remoted for the remedy of sure cancers. This compound was obtained from the tunicate Trididemnum solidum. Sadly, Didemin didn’t survive in later levels of its scientific trials. Nonetheless, after a collection of additional exploration, a relative of the previous species was found to poses comparable traits. The tunicate Aplidium albicans possesses the compound Aplidin® which has an analogous construction with Didemnin however far much less poisonous. Aplidin is an anti-tumor, anti-viral and immunosuppressive drug that has been demonstrated to be efficient in pancreatic, abdomen, bladder and prostate cancers. After present process collection of scientific take a look at, Aplidin was granted the classification as an orphan drug that particularly treats a number of myeloma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In the USA alone, there are over 45,000 individuals with a number of myeloma and an estimated 15,000 new circumstances within the U.S. every year.

2.3.2 Yondelis

Yondelis® was developed by the PharmaMar Pharmaceutical Firm and was launched available in the market in 2003. This compound is now bought by Zeltia and Johnson and Johnson. Yondelis incorporates the lively substance Trabectedin. Trabectedin is derived from coral reefs. Particularly from the filter feeding sacs of the small and motionless plant-like invertebrate referred to as sea squirts. Extracts of this reef related species has been discovered to include a remedy for soft-tissue sarcoma and ovarian neoplasm sarcoma. Yondelis was developed on account of the Nationwide Most cancers Institute Screening Program for marine vegetation and animals. Sea quirts have been collected from reefs of West Indies and studied within the laboratory on the College of Illinois. The anti-cancer biosynthetic compound was then found to be embedded within the symbiotic microorganism inside the sea squirts. Yondelis is produced in a semi-synthetic method, after the extracts from the ocean squirts bear a patented chemical course of. This course of is much less intrusive and fewer demanding to the pure marine biome. Furthermore, despite the fact that the utilization of Yondelis is just for uncommon medical circumstances reminiscent of sarcoma, there may be nonetheless potential for this product so as to add a number of worth to the lives of sufferers and different stakeholders. Increasingly adopting Yondelis of their prescribing workflow for sarcomas and there are an rising variety of sufferers who’re delicate to medicines containing platinum and Yondelis is among the solely different anti-cancer medicines.

2.3.3 Professional Osteon

There are various indications for a bone graft implant (e.g. fusion of the backbone, joints in legs and arms, fractures or gaps in bones brought on by trauma or an infection, oral surgical procedure). In a typical bone grafting process, an artificial materials is formed by the surgeon to suit the affected space of the bone whereas pins or screws are used to carry it in place. This materials builds a assist construction the place bone cells can interlace, regenerate and heal. Professional Osteon Implant 500 has a porous microstructure the place new tissues and blood cells can develop, thereby stimulating progress and connects fractured bone segments. Generically referred to as “Bone Void Filler” and authorized by the FDA in 1992, Professional Osteon Implant 500 is clinically confirmed to be protected, robust and value efficient. This materials is sterile, thereby minimizing opposed reactions from the affected person’s immune system rejecting the implant. The effectiveness of Professional Osteon Implant 500 lies in its supply. It makes use of corals from the ocean that has the identical porous interconnected construction of a typical bone graft thereby mimicking the interior construction of a human bone. After present process a patented chemical course of, it converts the coral into hydroxyapatite which is a mineral and the chief structural component of a human bone. At this stage, the implant materials is now additionally osteoconductive which facilitates bone cells to weave into the porous construction. After the process and the therapeutic course of begins, the Professional Osteon Implant will ultimately be coated and changed by bones creating the mended half as robust because it was earlier than. Professional Osteon has nice demonstrated efficacy and a protected side-effect profile. The corporate manufacturing this product is projecting not less than $3 billion in gross sales by 2017. What’s extra, the manufacturing of Professional Osteon just isn’t fully depending on farming and extracting corals from their pure habitat. Particular strategies have been developed, which require solely a small portion of coral to be extracted, whereas the steadiness is grown artificially within the lab-thus selling sustainability and stability of the marine biome.

3 THE CHALLENGES

3.1 HOW TO CONSERVE AND SUSTAINABLY USE MARINE BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

Even though marine bioprospecting is comparatively unimposing and the observe doesn’t impose the sustainability threat of assorted terrestrial strategies, conservationists and the general public nonetheless have some issues. For one, little or no is understood concerning the conservation standing of many species used as sources of marine genetic assets. Additional, many species happen in weak and fragile ecosystems. Many are additionally involved with what we do not know on this comparatively nascent sub-industry at this level. As an example, the impact on ecosystems of removing of marine genetic assets is poorly understood.

3.2 FEW NATIONS CAN SUCCESSFULLY DO BIOPROSPECTING ON THEIR OWN

Funding in marine biotechnology just isn’t with out threat. Sampling at sea prices a minimal of US$ 30,000 per day or US$ 1 million for a month. It sometimes takes 15 years total, and an funding of as much as US$ 1billion, to go from analysis to industrial product, because of the truth that many merchandise fail to ship on early guarantees. In consequence the sphere is dominated by comparatively few nations. Patent claims related to marine genetic assets (MGR) originate from solely 31 international locations. Ninety per cent of those patents originate from 10 international locations (USA, Germany, Japan, France, UK, Denmark, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland and Norway), with 70% originating from the US, Germany and Japan. Regardless of the excessive ranges of funding required in R&D, biotechnology is a profitable and essential {industry}.

3.3 THE CURRENT UNCERTAIN AND UNPREDICTABLE LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK DISCOURAGES INDUSTRY (I.E. BIOPHARM COMPANIES) FROM INVESTING THEIR EFFORTS INTO BIOPROSPECTING

The potential of marine bioprospecting has change into the topic of worldwide coverage debate (significantly for areas past nationwide jurisdiction). One central query is whether or not the potential advantages from marine bioprospecting should be shared by the complete worldwide neighborhood or solely by the States or particular person companies with the capability to take advantage of them. Varied teams are taking a look at this with the intention to configure essentially the most smart set of insurance policies to steadiness the necessity to promote innovation and technological/biopharmaceutical advances, with the necessity to ensure all stakeholders within the worth chain are appropriately compensated, together with the necessity to make sure the longevity of those pure marine habitats. More and more, particular person nation-states are establishing insurance policies that dictate the way in which wherein protected marine habitats of their jurisdiction could also be used for bioprospecting and different scientific and industrial pursuits.

3.4 COSTS OF BIOPHARM/BIOTECH DISCOVERY

There are operational and technological challenges to bioprospecting and biopharmaceutical discovery normally. Reproducing massive molecules reliably at an industrial scale requires manufacturing capabilities of a beforehand unknown sophistication. Contemplate this: a molecule of aspirin consists of 21 atoms. A biopharmaceutical molecule may include something from 2,000 to 25,000 atoms (Exhibit 1). The “machines” that produce recombinant therapeutics are genetically modified residing cells that should be frozen for storage, thawed with out injury, and made to thrive within the uncommon atmosphere of a response vessel. The required sophistication comes at nice price. Massive-scale biotech-manufacturing services require $200 million to $500 million or extra to construct, in contrast with similar-scale small-molecule services that will price simply $30 million to $100 million, they usually can take 4 to 5 years to construct. Because the variety of merchandise rises and new course of applied sciences reminiscent of steady manufacturing are launched, the complexity of biopharma operations and the biopharma provide chain will improve.

4 THE SOLUTION

4.1 HUMAN/ROBOTICS INTERVENTION

First, actions at sea in assist of biotechnology have to be distinguished from processes within the laboratory. Business expeditions purely to gather marine genetic assets are uncommon to non-existent. Usually, sampling is carried out on scientific analysis cruises, or through the use of downtime on ROVs used within the offshore oil {industry}. Ocean-going analysis vessels are sometimes owned by nationwide analysis our bodies (e.g. China, UK, US, Brazil, Germany, Japan, France, Russia) or industrial operations, significantly within the offshore oil and gasoline sector. With the advances in ROVs, much less and fewer direct human disruption of the marine biome is critical. Leveraging ROV expertise permits for minimally invasive techniques that also permits for efficient analysis/discovery/growth alternatives whereas sustaining the steadiness in essentially the most fragile of habitats. Investing and using ROV expertise can also be safer for all events concerned. Because the scientific neighborhood continues to analysis extra harmful and less-explored marine habitats, the danger for well being and human security improve. ROVs dramatically reduces this threat whereas allowing analysis and industrial societies to discover true frontier areas. For instance, Liquid Robotics is a venture-backed agency specializing on this space with their marquee product, the Wave Glider. The Wave Glider is an autonomous, environmentally powered ocean-going platform for gathering and remotely transmitting details about the ocean. Wave Gliders acquire knowledge on temperature, winds, humidity, wind gusts, water temperature, water colour, and water composition. They’ll additionally take photos. These robots are gathering a number of observational knowledge about local weather change, ocean acidification, fisheries administration, hurricane and tsunami warnings, and exploration – however in a inexperienced manner. One of these expertise utilized particularly to marine bioprospecting to additional drive innovation and effectivity on this area.

4.2 HEALTHY PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS, CASE-IN-POINT: GRIFFITH/ASTAZENECA PARTNERSHIP

The Griffith College (an Australian College primarily based within the State of Queensland)/AstraZeneca Partnership represents a multi-year, 100 AUD funding by AstraZeneca, has concerned the screening of extracts of wildlife by Griffith College’s Eskitis Institute to determine bioactive molecules as potential leads for pharmaceutical discovery and growth of novel prescription drugs. Greater than 45,000 samples of regional biota, each marine and terrestrial, have been collected because the begin of the partnership. Collections have derived from a number of jurisdictions inside Australia. This partnership also needs to function a grounded instance to assist inform future initiatives geared toward balancing the varied wants to make sure efficient and protected marine bioprospecting. This partnership demonstrated that bioprospecting partnerships can yield constant advantages for supplier international locations and for biodiversity conservation over time. The collaborative settlement and consequent funding in Queensland has resulted in important expertise switch. As a part of the partnership, AstraZeneca gives funding to Griffith College to take part of their bio discovery and commercialization efforts. Griffith College in flip companions with home and abroad amassing establishments to undertake biota collections, make extracts of samples, after which run these samples via excessive throughput screens (HTS) in opposition to targets supplied by and of therapeutics curiosity to AZ. Lively compounds are then recognized and remoted at Griffith College by way of bioassay guided fractionation, and constructions are elucidated utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Advantages accrued to the vary of collaborators within the partnership – Astra Zeneca, Griffith College, the Queensland Herbarium, the Queensland Museum, and firms and establishments in China, India, Papua New Guinea, and Tasmania. On the identical time, broader advantages have been achieved or should emerge for the State of Queensland, the Australian analysis neighborhood, the Australian public, and the worldwide neighborhood. Realized advantages to Australia embody financial remuneration like charges for samples (or to cowl the prices of an agreed-upon work plan) and royalties. Non-monetary advantages to Australia included the supply of autos, tools, expertise, coaching, constructing of a state-of-the-art pure product discovery unit, and elevated data of biodiversity. Advantages to AZ embody the entry to an enormous pipeline of potential blockbuster medicine that will but serve to profit 1000’s (if not tens of millions) of sufferers. Moreover, new data and knowledge gleaned from the partnerships have gone in the direction of informing extra coverage round conservation and environmental planning and administration all through the area. Many greatest practices for comparable future partnerships could be established from the AZ/Griffith Partnership.

Finish Be aware:

Science has a chance now in contrast to every other time in historical past to advance mankind using robotics for the betterment of us all.

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Source by Todd Kleperis