Maria Astolfi, a descendant of an indigenous Amazonian tribe and graduate student at UC Berkeley, has raised concerns about the ethical implications of biotechnology research involving indigenous knowledge. Her work in the lab of Jay Keasling, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, focuses on reproducing a molecule from the Chilean soapbark tree used in vaccines. This molecule, QS21, is recreated in yeast to avoid felling native trees.

Astolfi emphasizes the need to consider the contributions of indigenous communities, stating, "If this product comes from traditional knowledge, ... what about the community? What about the biodiversity in Chile?" Her comments highlight the importance of establishing connections between supply chains, developed products, and indigenous communities.

Keasling acknowledges these concerns, referencing past efforts to share benefits, such as the agreement with Samoa for a potential anti-AIDS drug from the mamala tree. He states, "Educating their culture, getting them involved with it, all of these things help to raise the tide."

The dialogue has led Astolfi to partner with indigenous scientists from Hawai’i, Ecuador, and Mexico, supported by the Lab to Land Institute, to explore the integration of scientific endeavors with nature stewardship. Together, they advocate for new partnerships to foster a more ethical bioeconomy that sustains biodiversity and includes indigenous communities as equal partners.

Keolu Fox, a co-author and assistant professor of anthropology at UC San Diego, illustrates benefit sharing through his company, Variant Bio. The company has agreements with over 25 indigenous groups, redistributing 4% of revenue and providing access to new pharmaceutical drugs. Fox explains, "That’s a path toward health equity... and climate resilience.”

This approach, Fox and Astolfi argue, enriches both scientific quality and community welfare, ultimately enhancing research and its social impact.

The paper cites Variant Bio as a model for ethical biotech operations, emphasizing benefit sharing as a tool for addressing historical injustices and securing community trust. Astolfi's work contributes to this initiative, leveraging AI to mine biodiversity for drug development. Her efforts are supported by a BioEnginuity Impact Grant from Bakar BioLabs.

Despite these efforts, Keasling notes the challenge of ensuring equitable benefits, especially at research stages. Nevertheless, Astolfi believes commercialization of QS21 could set new industry standards: "If we’re able to commercialize QS21 in an ethical way, it can inspire the makers of other biodiversity-based products to do the same."

Other contributors to the paper include diverse voices from academia, with discussions led by the Lab to Land Institute.