Medical research constantly searches for new materials that can support healing and improve treatments. Many breakthroughs come from unexpected places. In recent years, several biotechnology companies have developed medical solutions based on compounds derived from marine resources that were previously underused. Examples include Kerecis, Hemarina, and MacLab.
Kerecis, an Icelandic company, developed medical products based on intact skin of wild Atlantic cod. This material support the healing process and can be used for wounds, burns, and problems such as traumatic wounds, ulcers, or even diabetic wounds. By creating a scaffold that helps tissue regenerate, this technology helps prevent amputations and restore mobility, allowing patients to return to their life more quickly. Their product is available in different forms: solid, fenestrated, or meshed, adapting itself to various types of injuries.
Hemarina, a French biotechnology company, develops medical technologies based on a haemoglobin molecule originally identified in the marine worm Arenicola marina. This worm survives in low-oxygen environments thanks to a haemoglobin complex with an exceptional capacity to bind and transport oxygen. Researchers adapted this molecule to create biomedical products that improve oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, where oxygen is often limited during healing. In some applications, it is formulated as a hydrogel applied directly to wounds to support tissue repair. The European Union has recognised this technology as the first universal oxygen carrier.
MacLab, based in New Zealand, focuses on bioactive compounds found in green-lipped mussels. These compounds include omega-3 fatty acids known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Extracts from these mussels are currently explored in treatments related to inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and asthma. Research is still ongoing, and additional studies are required to fully confirm their therapeutic potential.
These examples illustrate how marine-derived materials can contribute to medical innovation. Compounds that were once overlooked or considered low-value resources can become valuable inputs for biotechnology and healthcare. Continued research in this area may reveal further medical applications while also encouraging more efficient use of natural resources.