The 'AlgaMar4antivirus' project, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, focuses on extracting bioactive compounds from macroalgae with antiviral properties. The Faculty of Science and Technology of Coimbra reported that these natural products have shown promise in providing effective antiviral solutions to address the urgent need for such treatments.

"This research focuses on creating new natural products derived from macroalgae, exploring their bioactive compounds with antiviral properties," stated the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra (FCTUC).

Ana Marta Gonçalves, project leader, explained, "AlgaMar4antivirus aims to develop a natural compound effective in both preventing and treating SARS-CoV-2. We have already identified several macroalgae from the Portuguese coast - green, red, and brown - that have shown encouraging results”. Aquaculture cultivation is a key focus to ensure the sustainability of marine resources and to produce enough biomass for bioactive compound extraction.

The FCTUC research team is collaborating with experts from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Coimbra (FFUC). Ongoing tests have confirmed the antiviral effectiveness of several compounds extracted from the algae. "These findings are a significant step forward in developing natural pharmaceutical solutions that could potentially be applied to other viruses beyond SARS-CoV-2," said Ana Gonçalves.

The team will continue laboratory trials to confirm the efficacy and safety of the compounds, aiming to develop a pharmaceutical product for market release. The researchers also plan to extend their investigation to assess the potential of these natural compounds against other viral infections in the future.