Articles
Advances in artemisinin metabolic regulation and multi-purpose development of Artemisia annua
Article number
1462_1
Pages
1 – 6
Language
English
Abstract
Artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone derived from Artemisia annua L., serves as the cornerstone of global malaria control.
However, the supply chain of this vital pharmaceutical ingredient currently faces a structural discrepancy: the rising cost of cultivation in China – the primary producer – is at odds with the global imperative to maintain the end-user price of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) below 1 USD. This paper reviews the current challenges in the artemisinin supply chain and proposes a dual-strategy solution.
First, we summarize breakthroughs in genetic engineering, specifically highlighting the contributions of Prof.
Tang Kexuan and Prof.
Wang Yuliang’s group at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Their work in decoding the A. annua genome, elucidating transcriptional regulation mechanisms, and engineering glandular trichome development has led to the breeding of high-yielding cultivars (content >3.2%), significantly reducing production costs.
Second, we review recent high-impact findings regarding the efficacy of artemisinin derivatives in treating non-malarial diseases, such as diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cardiac fibrosis, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). We conclude that increasing artemisinin content through molecular breeding is essential to secure the stability of the anti-malarial supply chain, while expanding new therapeutic applications will generate high-value revenue streams to support the sustainable development of the Artemisia industry.
However, the supply chain of this vital pharmaceutical ingredient currently faces a structural discrepancy: the rising cost of cultivation in China – the primary producer – is at odds with the global imperative to maintain the end-user price of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) below 1 USD. This paper reviews the current challenges in the artemisinin supply chain and proposes a dual-strategy solution.
First, we summarize breakthroughs in genetic engineering, specifically highlighting the contributions of Prof.
Tang Kexuan and Prof.
Wang Yuliang’s group at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Their work in decoding the A. annua genome, elucidating transcriptional regulation mechanisms, and engineering glandular trichome development has led to the breeding of high-yielding cultivars (content >3.2%), significantly reducing production costs.
Second, we review recent high-impact findings regarding the efficacy of artemisinin derivatives in treating non-malarial diseases, such as diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cardiac fibrosis, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). We conclude that increasing artemisinin content through molecular breeding is essential to secure the stability of the anti-malarial supply chain, while expanding new therapeutic applications will generate high-value revenue streams to support the sustainable development of the Artemisia industry.
Publication
Authors
Y. Wang, K. Tang, G. Chang
Keywords
Artemisia annua, artemisinin, metabolic engineering, supply chain, therapeutic expansion
Online Articles (28)