In October 2003, the Panama ICBG received funds from the International Cooperative Biodiversity Groups of the National Institutes of Health (USA) for an additional five years (2003-2008). Dr. William Gerwick of Oregon State University and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute joins the group as the new Principal Investigator. The overall goals of the project remain unchanged: linking drug discovery with conservation by conducting the research in Panama. However, we are broadening our collection strategies to include endophytic fungi, marine plants and animals, as well as terrestrial plants. We are continuing to conduct bioassays in Panama to test extracts for activity against cancer, malaria, leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis. We plan on adding a bioassay for activity against Dengue in the next year. Conservation and outreach efforts have been amplified, with a particular focus on Coiba National Park.

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