West Java, Indonesia — Scientists from Universitas Padjadjaran have discovered two new compounds from marine fungi that show powerful anti-cancer activity, especially against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)—one of the most difficult-to-treat forms of cancer globally.

The research was led by Dr. Muhammad Hasan Bashari from the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with Dr. Mochamad Untung Kurnia Agung from the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science. The team isolated the new compounds—Unguisol A and Unguisol B—from fungi living inside marine sponges collected off the coast of Harapan Island in the Seribu Islands.

Laboratory tests showed that these compounds could stop cancer cells from dividing and trigger early cell death in TNBC cells, without harming healthy cells. The research points to the genes BCL2L1 and AKT1 as targets for the compounds—genes that normally help cancer cells survive.

“Our marine ecosystems hold an incredible wealth of bioactive compounds. With careful exploration, they could lead to real breakthroughs in medicine,” said Dr. Bashari.

By using fungi rather than directly harvesting marine sponges, the researchers applied an eco-friendly method that protects marine biodiversity while advancing drug discovery. The work shows that Indonesia’s coastal ecosystems can support both environmental and health innovation.

This discovery advances SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through promising cancer research and SDG 14: Life Below Water by promoting sustainable use of marine resources. It also strengthens Universitas Padjadjaran’s reputation as a research-driven university with local roots and global impact, reinforcing its place in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.