Based on the content analysis of the sources of patent and scientific literature on the biotechnology of lichens as a medicinal raw material, systematized modern information is provided, as well as original experimental data regarding the cultivation of botanical species of lichens of various ecological and geographical groups under controlled conditions. Since ancient times, lichens havebeen used as medicines and are included in the pharmacopoeias of various countries. At present, methodological approaches have been developed for the cultivation of lichens (genera Usnea, Rhinocarpon, Umbilicara ) and their components: phycobiont (genera Nostoc, Chlorella ), mycobiont ( Petrusaria pertiza, Leydea parasema, Alternaria sp.). The main biologically active compounds (usnic acid, lichenin, cetrarin, water-soluble vitamins, calcium oxalate) and the pharmacological effects caused by them (antimicrobial, stimulating appetite, enveloping, anti-inflammatory, anti-burn, regenerating). Biotechnological approaches can be implemented for species cloning, reproduction, creation of a bank of cell cultures of lichens and their components in order to preserve economically valuable producers in an active state and develop technologies for obtaining biomass and pharmacologically valuable biologically active compounds.