Status of Drug Discovery Research Based on Marine Organisms from Eastern Indonesia

Despite the vastness of Eastern Indonesian Waters (EIW), no review has been done on the status of drug discovery research based on marine organisms from this area. The aim of this paper is to briefly discuss the challenges and perspectives on drug discovery research based on marine organisms in these indigenous waters. The emphasis is on the last 20 year period (1993 to 2013). Research activities completed during this period suggest that marine organisms from EIW could be utilized as an important natural resource for future drug discovery and development. However, lack of facilities, as well as competent human resources, significantly hinder progress on drug discovery research. More in-depth study especially on deep-sea natural products needs to be carried out to solidify the research on the potential for marine organisms from EIW to contribute to the future of drug discovery.