Varda signs deal with major US pharma firm to develop drugs in space

For decades, NASA has played a pivotal role in advancing the understanding of how microgravity affects drug development, a journey that began with the Space Shuttle program. This exploration gained momentum in the 2010s, particularly with the establishment of the International Space Station, which allowed for continuous scientific research by dedicated crew members. Noteworthy achievements emerged during this period, including the 2019 breakthrough in producing a more consistent crystalline form of the cancer medication Keytruda. This innovation could transform treatment methods by allowing injections instead of lengthy intravenous sessions in clinics. NASA's financial support has been instrumental in facilitating this research, covering significant expenses related to transporting materials to the ISS and providing astronaut assistance. However, these advancements came with challenges, such as extended timelines for getting experiments into space. Despite these hurdles, it is becoming increasingly evident that manufacturing drugs in space holds promising commercial potential. Varda Space Industries, a private aerospace company, has taken substantial steps in this direction. The firm has been launching small, unmanned capsules equipped with autonomous bioreactors, which can operate in microgravity for several weeks to months, enabling the production of pharmaceuticals without the influence of gravity. The first of these vehicles, named W-1, was launched in mid-2023, followed by five additional launches. The pharmaceutical sector is beginning to take notice of these developments. Recently, Varda announced a significant partnership with United Therapeutics Corporation aimed at harnessing the unique conditions of microgravity to create enhanced treatments for rare lung diseases. Under this collaboration, the two companies will explore how microgravity can affect the structural and crystallization properties of therapeutic compounds to improve their stability and effectiveness. Delian Asparouhov, Varda's president and co-founder, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, noting that it marks a pivotal moment for the orbital economy. "This is the first instance of a large, publicly traded company utilizing its own capital for microgravity product development, rather than relying solely on NASA funding," he stated. Asparouhov believes this milestone could pave the way for many more similar initiatives, heralding a significant chapter for the space industry.