How a Mass. startup is using space to transform drug delivery
A Worcester-based biotech startup is testing the limits of its space-grown particles in hopes of delivering better, more consistent treatments for osteoarthritis, cancer and other conditions.
Why it matters: The research conducted by Eascra in recent flights could help lay the groundwork for an advanced manufacturing industry in space, Mari Anne Snow, the company's cofounder and CEO, tells Axios.
Catch up quick: Eascra has conducted experiments on five flights in space since 2023 to determine how developing Janus Base Nanoparticles (JBNs) — tiny particles that can deliver drugs to the human body — in microgravity changes their function.
The space-grown JBNs were more uniform in shape and size than their Earth-made counterparts, making for more consistent drug delivery, Snow says.
Eascra used the nanoparticles to apply drugs to a tumor and other medicines. Researchers found the particles could maintain mRNA at room temperature for extended periods of time. (It usually requires cold storage).
The latest: Astronauts have spent the past five weeks on the International Space Station expanding Eascra's JBN production in space.
When they return to Earth later this week, they will bring the space-grown samples and evaluate their quality, including in animal testing.
"At that point, we'll have comparison data that will tell us specifically what is the verified improvement from Earth to space production," Snow says.
Those experiments will likely be done by late summer, followed by a third-party evaluation of Eascra's findings.
Zoom out: The goal is to start discussions with the Food and Drug Administration about seeking approval for space-made medicine, Snow says.
Getting drugs and gene editing that rely on space-grown nanoparticles to market could take close to a decade, Snow predicts.
Yes, but: The research has relied on both private space exploration and public grants, including several from the Department of Defense.
In the meantime, Eascra is continuing as normal.
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