Blockbuster drug raises questions of scientific colonialism

The antibiotic rapa, discovered in 1964 on Easter Island, raises concerns over scientific colonialism, neglecting the Indigenous people's role in its success and the politics behind its discovery.

• Rapa, named after Easter Island's Indigenous name, was discovered in 1964 and has since generated over a billion dollars for pharmaceutical companies.
• The drug's success story neglects the contributions of the Rapa Nui people and fails to address the colonial dynamics inherent in scientific research.
• Research from Binghamton University and the University of Arizona highlights the complex interplay between Indigenous knowledge and Western scientific practices in drug discovery.
• Easter Island is famous for its Moai statues, but the history of rapa underscores the need to reconsider the narratives surrounding Indigenous contributions to science.
• Discussions continue regarding the ethical implications of pharmaceutical companies profiting from discoveries linked to marginalized communities like the Rapa Nui.