Kochi: “The ingredients for medicines that can give new life to humans lie beneath the ocean floor. Around the world, numerous research institutions are studying these marine compounds to develop drugs. So far, 32 types of medicines, including those for cancer, have been developed from such sources,” says Prof William Garvik, his eyes lighting up as he speaks.

Prof Garvik has conducted research trips in over 50 countries, authored 400 research papers, and even at the age of 71 continues his quest for new knowledge. His work remains largely unfamiliar to the general public.

Prof Garvik conducts deep-sea research, extracting medicinal compounds from marine organisms. He began significant research in this field in 1995 at Santiago University, California, and currently serves as Co-Director of the Center for Compound Resources at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, also holding a professorship in Oceanography and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Recently, he participated in a workshop of National Center for Aquatic Animal Health at CUSAT Lakeside Campus.

“While similar studies have been conducted worldwide, the body of knowledge is still limited. Microorganisms, bacteria, sponges and deep-sea fish are all being studied to extract potential drug components. For example, certain antibodies are being developed to target tumour cells,” he explains.

Prof Garvik adds, “The deep sea still holds a world of untapped wonders. Certain bacteria from the ocean depths have already yielded promising drugs. In the future, research in marine biology will produce even more beneficial medicines for humanity.”