Economic value of microbial resources

Abstract

Undiscovered biological and genetic resources, in particular microbial resources, preserved in natural habitats, are potentially valuable sources for future innovation of pharmaceutical and other industrial products. However, there is no established method for evaluating the economic value of microbial resources collected from natural habitats. This is one of the reasons why a benefit-sharing agreement on microbial resources in the context of implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is difficult to conclude.

This study examined the economic value of microbial resources used as screening materials for developing new pharmaceuticals. The economic value, which was estimated based on the sum of an initial charge and expected royalties obtained from pharmaceutical companies, resulted in US$2-60/strain, depending on their quality and value-added information attached to the strains.

In order for source countries to gain a greater share of the benefits from microbial resources, they should, for example, build human and technological capabilities to isolate, preserve and characterize microorganisms and provide users with more value-added resources. For this purpose, emphasis should be placed on non-monetary benefit-sharing rather than monetary benefit-sharing in negotiating an access and benefit-sharing agreement with resource users in the context of the CBD.