Halipeptins A and B: two novel potent anti-inflammatory cyclic depsipeptides from the Vanuatu marine sponge Haliclona species

The isolation, structure characterization and pharmacological activity of two novel metabolites, named Halipeptins A and B, from the marine sponge Haliclona species collected in the waters off the Vanuatu Islands are reported. Halipeptin A was found to possess very potent anti-inflammatory activity in vivo, which may prove useful in the identification of new leads for developing a new generation of anti-inflammatory drugs.