Startup Varda plans to go beyond current space limitations by deploying an automated drug lab that will be operated by robots.
Robots Running Drug Development in Space
According to the profile of Varda Space Industries documented by Bloomberg, the biggest thing going for the startup is the different behavior of atoms, molecules, and microgravity. This is why manufacturing in space seems to be an opportunity for the synthesis of drugs and chemicals that are not available on earth.
Will Bruey, co-founder and CEO of Varda, mentioned to Bloomberg that they were able to come up with a unique approach to chemical system manipulation. Bruey further notes that the earth's priciest chemical systems are drugs. The team knew that manufacturing drugs in space was a "killer app of microgravity."
Futurism reports that, unlike the lab on the International Space Station, this robot lab capsule is, at its widest point, around three feet across. The lab is designed to come up with prototypes that can be sent back to earth, as opposed to mass producing batches in space.
Varda plans to let its robots focus on treatment developments for diabetes, cancer, and chronic pain. They plan to let robots heat, cool, and mix chemical compounds for drug development, which will be solidified and returned to earth.
It's happening.
— Varda Space Industries (@VardaSpace) January 19, 2023
The world's 1st manufacturing satellite and re-entry vehicle getting ready with our partner @RocketLab for our launch in June on Transporter-8 pic.twitter.com/LJcHUDJ8Id
First Launch to Space
According to Romania Posts English, the first capsule of Varda will board a SpaceX craft by June. It will be accompanied by dozens of satellites from different companies that are willing to shell out $275,000 for 50 kilograms of materials.
The initial launch aims to ensure that the chemical apparatus and instruments function well and that the capsule will survive reentry to earth. With the complex chemicals on board the craft, this is not an easy feat to achieve.
Drug Development Potential
Executives of drug companies think that Varda may use the labs to start the development of newer versions of previous pill-based and injectable drugs. Delian Asparouhov, president and co-founder of Varda, mentions that they have the capacity to come up with chemistry that is world-class.
Arthur Boni, a professor from Carnegie Mellon University who has conducted prior biopharmaceutical and aerospace research, says that the potential is quite big. He sees the endeavor as a "promising emerald from heaven." However, the project is a specialized one and the whole pharmaceutical sector has various challenges to deal with.
Varda proposes that, in the years to come, there may be tens or hundreds of labs orbiting in space and coming up with medicines and other products that take advantage of microgravity.
Bruey says that, one day, Varda may have a craft that is large enough to deploy people to space to assist with production. Their aim is to come up with a routine and orbiting manufacturing operation.
RELATED ARTICLE: Medicine in Space: Can Low-Gravity Environment Speed Up Drug Development?
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