What is it about sharks that makes people frightened and uncomfortable? After all, a person is two times more likely to die from an alligator attack, 20 times more likely to die from annual tornadoes, and 1000 times more likely to die while bicycling. So, who’s really our enemy here? It might be the media that instills the fear in us about sharks. However, researchers have found that applying shark science to human health may lead to several discoveries in medicine. Sink your teeth into these 5 ways sharks could benefit humans in the future.
1.) Fibrosis
Scientists have found that sharks don’t get sick nearly as frequently as other species. Shark tissue has anticoagulant and antibacterial properties that research could use to treat viruses and cystic fibrosis. Australian researchers have already developed a drug that mimics part of the shark’s immune system called AD-114. The antibodies in shark blood inspired the development of AD-114.
2.) Wound Healing
According to a 2015 study in the journal Conservation Physiology, the blacktip reef shark could heal a severe wound by as much as 90 percent in 24 days. Because they contain a special class of antibodies, sharks can heal quickly and much more efficiently than human antibodies. Because sharks can heal quickly from wounds and resist infections, scientists aim to research the possibility of humans adapting the same quick healing properties.
3.) Cancer
Scientists can modify shark antibodies to deliver cancer-fighting drugs directly into tumors. Some sharks even have cancer-resistant abilities. Most notably, these genes found in sharks also have counterparts that exist in humans. Their overexpression is known to be associated with cancer. Although scientists are still conducting research, they are excited to discover how sharks can help combat cancer in humans.
4.) Hospital Infections
The roughness and certain properties of shark skin can help reduce contaminated surfaces in hospitals. In a study conducted by Sharklet Technologies, researchers found that shark-inspired micropatterns on hospital surfaces reduced the transmission of Staphylococcus by 97 percent, compared to a common antimicrobial surface. This could help reduce infections acquired from visiting hospitals.
5.) Alzheimer’s Disease
Private research companies have been using shark antibodies to breach the blood-brain barrier in mice. The blood-brain barrier is a layer of cells surrounding the cerebral blood vessels in the brain preventing the breaching of toxins. So far, they have successfully tested the technology in mice for both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Injecting shark antibodies into humans is still years away from being implemented, but human trials could start in as little as two years.
Potential Further Benefits
Beyond these medical breakthroughs, researchers continue exploring shark biology for even broader applications that could impact public health, environmental science, and biotechnology.
One promising area is antibiotic resistance. Scientists are studying compounds found in shark mucus, which contains a diverse community of bacteria that can inhibit harmful pathogens. Early research suggests that the microbial ecosystems on shark skin may help uncover new classes of antimicrobial agents—an important step as current antibiotics become less effective. The World Health Organization has emphasized that antibiotic resistance is one of the top threats to global health, highlighting the need for innovative solutions inspired by nature.
Sharks may also play a role in understanding aging and longevity. Species like the Greenland shark can live over 250 years, making them among the longest-living vertebrates on Earth. Scientists believe their slow metabolic rates and unique genetic adaptations could offer clues into slowing cellular aging in humans. A study published by the National Institutes of Health indicates that one day, longevity-related genes in long-lived marine animals may guide anti-aging therapies.
Additionally, shark cartilage continues to be evaluated for its potential biomedical applications. Although shark cartilage supplements have not been proven to treat cancer—contrary to past misconceptions—researchers are examining specific proteins within cartilage that may aid in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. It is vital to note that scientists warn against unproven claims, but further studies could be useful to gain knowledge of marine-derived compounds.
As research progresses, sharks may ultimately shift from being misunderstood predators to valuable partners in advancing human health.
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This article was updated on December 11, 2025.