Merck conducted protein crystallization experiments aboard the ISS, focusing on the monoclonal antibody Keytruda, used for cancer immunotherapy.
Traditional crystallization methods on Earth often result in smaller and less pure crystals, hindering the development of effective drug formulations.
The space-grown crystals of Keytruda were larger and more uniform, leading to improved drug formulations, making treatments more effective and accessible. The experiment highlighted the potential of space-based research in transforming pharmaceutical delivery – large biologics (like Covid vaccines) which are painful to deliver into the body. The results of this in-space activity were to find ways to deliver the Keytruda drug less painfully into the body and in a non-hospital setting.
The space-grown semiconductor crystals showed significant improvements in uniformity and purity, which could lead to the development of more efficient and powerful electronic devices. This research demonstrates the potential of space-based manufacturing to revolutionize the semiconductor industry.
Eli Lilly performed lyophilization experiments in microgravity to study the effects of creating a formulation with better homogeneity and stability
Freeze-drying on Earth can lead to uneven textures and stability issues, affecting the shelf life and effectiveness of medications.
Microgravity prevents sedimentation and provides a near-perfect vacuum, ideal for freeze-drying formulation processes. This leads to more consistent textures and enhanced stability of pharmaceuticals, improving their shelf life and storage conditions.
The space-based experiments demonstrated improved freeze-drying results, leading to better preservation of medications. This could enhance the availability of essential drugs in remote and resource-limited areas.
AstraZeneca investigated the stability of monoclonal antibodies in microgravity, focusing on preventing degradation over time.
Monoclonal antibodies can degrade quickly on Earth, reducing their effectiveness and increasing costs due to wastage.
Microgravity conditions help scientists understand the degradation process better, potentially leading to more stable formulations. This enhances the longevity and potency of these drugs, making them more cost-effective and accessible.
The study found that microgravity can help develop more stable monoclonal antibody formulations, reducing wastage and costs. This has significant implications for making advanced therapies more accessible globally.
InnoStudio Inc. used the Kirara protein crystallization service to investigate the antiviral drug Veklury (Remdesivir) in microgravity.
Developing effective treatments for COVID-19 and other viral outbreaks is challenging due to the limitations of Earth-based crystallization techniques.
The microgravity environment allows for the growth of more well-defined and larger crystals, which can significantly improve the understanding of drug mechanisms and efficacy. This leads to better formulations and potentially more effective treatments.
The space-based experiments with Veklury led to the formation of higher quality crystals, providing critical data for the development of more effective antiviral medications. This research highlights the potential of space-based drug development in responding to global health crises.
The foundation conducted protein crystallization experiments in space to study the LRRK2 protein, which is believed to be involved in Parkinson’s disease progression.
Understanding the structure of LRRK2 is crucial for developing targeted therapies for Parkinson’s disease. However, crystallization on Earth did not yield sufficiently large crystals for detailed study.
Microgravity allows for the growth of larger, defect-free crystals. This improves the ability to study the protein’s structure, aiding in the development of more effective treatments.
The experiments resulted in larger crystals of LRRK2, enabling better structural analysis. This breakthrough provides a clearer target for drug development, potentially leading to more effective treatments for Parkinson’s disease.
CADW Therapeutics investigated the stress and DNA damage response in space, focusing on the beta-arrestin1 signaling pathway.
Reduce imperfections and increasing mUnderstanding how DNA damage occurs and how it can be mitigated is crucial for developing treatments for diseases such as cancer.aterial properties (temperature, stress, etc)
Microgravity and space radiation provide a unique environment to study DNA damage and repair mechanisms. This can lead to new insights into how to protect against DNA damage and develop better therapies for related diseases.
The experiments demonstrated significant findings regarding DNA damage response and the potential to develop preventive measures. This research could lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment and other health conditions associated with DNA damage.
