(Conclusion)

MANILA, Philippines?The diving scientists aren?t just there to observe. Part of the research method is to take samples of the sponges and snails back to the lab, where they would be analyzed.

Sea sponges, the scientists said, are easier to collect. Some turrid snails, however, could only be found at depths of at least 120 feet. For this task, they have utilized trawlers or fishing boats with nets to collect the snails.

Attractive subject of studies

Noting that the Philippines is known to be the center of turrid biodiversity in the world, the team also explained that little is yet known about turrids, making them an attractive subject of intensive, pioneering studies.

Turrids produce peptide toxins which they use to hunt, paralyze and feed on their primary prey?polychaete worms. This hunting and feeding behavior is considered by the team as representing an ?extremely valuable ecological lead for them to discover novel neuroactive peptides from turrids that could be developed into sedatives and pain killers.?

The first marine-sourced drug ever to be approved in the United States and Europe?the pain killer known as Prialt or Ziconotide?is based on a peptide toxin first isolated and characterized from a Conus snail from the Philippines by the research group of Dr. Baldomero M. Olivera at the University of Utah in the mid-?80s.

Olivera is a collaborator of the Pharma Seas Program.

Pain management

The team stressed pain management as an ?important aspect? of patient care, especially those afflicted with terminal diseases such as cancer.

?The new paradigm of health care and treatment of disease involves a humane or compassionate approach to dealing with sensory pain and discomfort.?

Scientists in the program said that marine microorganisms can be cultured in the laboratory and provide a sufficient source of bioactive compounds for further development studies without having to recollect and deplete the natural source from the wild.

Perry Aliño believes that his team is on track to find breakthrough treatments from under the sea. Indeed, he would not be surprised if the lowliest of sea creatures would reveal life-saving compounds?in a place where all life began.