As the International Space Station (ISS) approaches the end of its operational life, pharmaceutical companies are preparing to conduct research and enable commercial drug manufacturing in low Earth orbit. At the same time, they are engaging with regulatory authorities to help develop the necessary legal frameworks for this emerging field.
Senior executives from pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and space companies have stated that they are working to demonstrate that drug manufacturing in space can be carried out reliably and with economic viability.
Researchers have been studying for years how microgravity conditions can contribute to more uniform distribution of cells and particles in biological materials; a process that is challenging to achieve under Earth’s gravitational conditions.
Merck is among the companies that have participated in multiple research projects aboard the ISS. These collaborations have contributed to the development of a subcutaneous formulation of Keytruda, the company’s best-selling cancer immunotherapy medicine. This formulation enables faster and more convenient administration compared with intravenous injection.
