Space-Age Medicine: The Transformative Power of Microgravity Research in Pharmaceutical Studies
Historically, major breakthroughs and innovations were achieved when complex systems were studied and analyzed from interdisciplinary perspectives. For example, at low temperatures, the phenomenon of superconductivity and cryopreservation were discovered. Similarly, when altering the force of gravity, other forces like surface tension, capillary forces become predominant while sedimentation, hydrostatic pressure, and convection become absent.
Since the International Space Station’s inception in 1980, NASA launched the first biological experiment with Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA) in 1996 to study microgravity’s effects on biological samples. In the latter half of the 20th century the field of microgravity research has seen tremendous growth. Since then, microgravity research has rapidly advanced due to space technology advancements and a growing interest in exploring new scientific frontiers. Altered gene expressions, cellular signaling, and protein interactions in microgravity offer possibilities for groundbreaking medical discoveries and innovative pharmaceutical solutions, benefiting space exploration and healthcare on Earth.
Pharmaceutical studies in microgravity
Some pivotal areas of pharmaceutical research in microgravity encompass:
Protein crystallization- The absence of sedimentation and convection in microgravity allows for the formation of larger and more well-ordered protein crystals. These larger crystals yield higher-resolution structural data, providing a clearer picture of the protein’s structure. Consequently, this enhanced understanding of protein structures enables researchers to design more precise and effective drugs with improved target specificity.
Drug stability — Absence of gravity impacts drug stability, affecting diffusion, crystal formation, protein binding, and aggregation. During space travel, drugs encounter cosmic and solar radiation, leading to chemical degradation, polymerization, oxidation, and radical formation. Understanding drug stability in space is vital for maintaining crew health during space missions. Additionally, this research may impact drug manufacturing and storage on Earth, where drugs can be exposed to radiation during transportation or storage.
Drug delivery systems — In microgravity, drug delivery systems like microencapsulation, colloidal formulations, and nanoparticle formulations have piqued interest in space research. Microencapsulation involves enclosing drugs in microscopic particles or capsules, exhibiting different behaviors from Earth conditions, impacting drug release and stability. Similarly, nanoparticle formation and behavior in microgravity are affected, leading to improved homogeneity, reduced sedimentation, enhanced drug targeting, and controlled drug release. Such research optimizes drug delivery systems for space missions and offers valuable insights for terrestrial applications.
Pharmacokinetic studies — Pharmacokinetics refers to the study of how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and eliminates drugs. Several factors unique to the space environment can influence pharmacokinetics which include:
- Altered absorption
- Distribution changes
- Metabolism alterations
- Elimination effects
- Drug-drug interactions
- Spacecraft-specific factors such as temperature, humidity, and storage conditions.
By conducting pharmacokinetic studies in space, researchers can gain valuable insights into how drugs behave which can be used to optimize drug dosing, develop personalized medication regimens, and ensure astronauts’ health and well-being during space missions.
Pharmaceutical Companies embarking on Space-based Research
AstraZeneca initiated an investigation in collaboration with the ISS National Lab in 2019 to advance the development of a nanoparticle drug delivery system for therapeutic cancer vaccines. In this approach, nanoparticles play a crucial role as carriers for the drug, allowing targeted and controlled release, ultimately enhancing the treatment’s effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
The primary objective of the investigation is to study how nanoparticle formation occurs in microgravity. The expected outcome is the development of improved nanoparticle formulations for therapeutic cancer vaccines, which could potentially lead to more cost-effective treatments.
Earlier this year, Bristol Myers Squibb sent a selection of its protein-based medicines to the International Space Station (ISS) to study protein crystallization. By analyzing the higher-resolution crystals formed in microgravity, the company aims to improve the biomanufacturing of potent medicines, particularly those used to treat cancer. This research could lead to reformulating medicines as injectable doses, enhancing stability and concentration.
By identifying the physical conditions that promote large, high-quality crystals, Bristol Myers Squibb hopes to gain valuable insights for producing biologic medicines in crystal form.
Merck & Co. is utilizing the unique microgravity environment of the space station through a multinational collaboration to conduct research on monoclonal antibodies as crystalline suspensions. The primary objective of this research is to enhance drug delivery and manufacturing, aiming for safer and more convenient methods.
Merck’s experiments on the active ingredient in their oncology drug Keytruda demonstrated that crystals grown in space were smaller and more uniform compared to those grown on Earth. The crystals obtained from the space experiments showed improved properties, including lower viscosity and better injectability.
These findings allowed Merck to develop processes on Earth that mimic the results obtained in microgravity. The goal is to provide patients with a more straightforward and convenient way to receive monoclonal antibody crystalline suspensions. For instance, drugs like Keytruda, which currently require cumbersome multi-hour infusions, could potentially be administered as quick shots at the doctor’s office in the future, thanks to the insights gained from extraterrestrial research.
In 2020, European scientists conducted a groundbreaking COVID-19 medicine experiment in microgravity. The study aimed to understand how the drug remdesivir interacts with its delivery agent cyclodextrin, with the goal of improving the drug’s effectiveness. This research collaboration involved InnoStudio and Cyclolab, The objective was to increase the drug’s efficiency and reduce its risk profile by improving the drug formulation.
In conclusion, pharmaceutical research in microgravity holds exciting potential for revolutionizing the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. Pharmaceutical companies are utilizing the ISS and space missions to enhance drug targeting with higher-resolution data. Through international collaborations, space-based research continues to drive cutting-edge medical science, even exploring antiviral drugs’ efficiency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leveraging space’s unique conditions, the pharmaceutical industry’s involvement in microgravity research promises groundbreaking medical discoveries and innovative drug solutions, benefitting healthcare both in space and on Earth.
References
Pharma goes to space — Chemical & Engineering News
Drugs in space: the pharmacy orbiting the Earth — The Pharmaceutical Journal
Examining Nanoparticle Formation in Microgravity for Improved Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines
Bristol Myers Squibb Heads to Outer Space
ISS20: First NASA Research on Station
Article Author
Sasha Thomas — Biotech Scientist, Vellon Space
Contact: sasha@vellon.in
