Recent pharmaceutical development in microalgal drugs

Algae, particularly microalgae, are recognised for their pharmacological potential due to their bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds include polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), polysaccharides, carotenoids, and bioactives like eicosapentaenoic acid, which are beneficial for human health. Microalgae are easy to culture and maintain, offering a sustainable source of novel drugs. They are prevalent as health supplements and are used in manufacturing capsules, vitamins, antibiotics, and other products. The increasing antimicrobial resistance and intolerance to existing medications have renewed interest in algae for breakthroughs, particularly in treating neurodegenerative diseases. The market for microalgae is projected to grow significantly, driven by the health sector, including dietary supplements and nutraceuticals. Despite their benefits, challenges in working with natural compounds and the dependency on natural algal sources pose significant hurdles. Bioactive compounds from microalgae have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidative, anticancer, neuroprotective, and chemopreventive activities, making them promising for managing various diseases. Microalgae are also harnessed in the pharmaceutical industries to produce recombinant proteins and peptides, and they are used as drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. However, optimising the production chain and competing with established platforms remain challenging. The future of algae-based pharmaceuticals is promising, with potential applications in drug delivery systems, recombinant protein production, and bioactive compound exploration. Despite limitations, sustained efforts and cooperation from stakeholders can lead to a better and stronger value chain, making microalgae a key player in the pharmaceutical industry.