14/09/2026
PATENTED FROM THE SEA ๐งซ
A marine bacterium isolated from the seafloor of Romblon is now at the center of a Philippine-patented antibiotic discovery developed by researchers from the University of San Agustin.
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines granted the patent for โIsolated Streptomyces griseorubens and Antibiotic Anthracycline Shunt Metabolites Therefromโ on February 6, 2026. The research team includes Jonel P. Saludes, Doralyn S. Dalisay, Angelica Faith L. Suarez, Melissa June V. Paderog, and Edna M. Sabido. The patent remains protected until April 15, 2041.
At the heart of the invention is Streptomyces griseorubens strain DSD069, isolated from marine sediments collected near Alad and Lugbong islands in Romblon at depths of about 20 to 30 meters. Researchers screened 35 marine actinobacterial isolates and found that DSD069 produced the strongest activity against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC BAA-44.
In laboratory testing, its crude extract achieved about 96.4% growth inhibition against the bacterial strain, which is resistant to 18 clinically significant antibiotics. Further experiments showed that the extract damaged bacterial cell membranes, causing vital materials such as DNA and proteins to leak from the cells.
Researchers identified bisanhydroaklavinone and 1-hydroxybisanhydroaklavinone as key antibacterial compounds produced by the marine strain. The findings position them as promising antibiotic leads, although further research including toxicity and molecular-target studies is still required before any potential clinical application.
The discovery was supported through Philippine government science programs, including DOST-PCHRD initiatives.
