A rare marine worm found off South Africa’s southern coast has led to the discovery of a powerful anti-cancer compound, reigniting global scientific interest and underscoring the value of ocean conservation.
The compound, known as Cephalostatin-1, was originally identified in the 1990s but is now making headlines for its renewed potential in cancer treatment. Extracted from a deep-sea marine worm, Cephalostatin-1 has demonstrated the ability to halt the growth of cancer cells, including those linked to leukaemia.
Environment Minister Dion George hailed the development, saying it reinforces the need to protect South Africa’s marine biodiversity as both a health resource and an economic asset.
“This discovery is a reminder that our oceans hold untapped potential for innovation in medicine and biotechnology,” George said.
The U.S. National Cancer Institute has described Cephalostatin-1 as one of the most potent anti-cancer compounds ever tested, due to its unique ability to selectively destroy cancerous cells while sparing healthy tissue.
The breakthrough is also drawing renewed attention to South Africa’s role in the global biotech and pharmaceutical industries, with researchers hopeful that this ocean-derived compound could lead to life-saving treatments in the near future.