Cancer drugs from space? Why pharma firms are looking beyond Earth to manufacture next-gen medicines

Cancer drugs from space? Why pharma firms are looking beyond Earth to manufacture next-gen medicines

Pharmaceutical companies are testing whether medicines can be manufactured in orbit, where microgravity may allow drug crystals to form with greater uniformity and fewer defects than on Earth. California-based Varda Space Industries is developing autonomous spacecraft that act as miniature manufacturing laboratories, and has placed three capsules in orbit, two launched on 1 October and one on 20 October. The capsules, roughly the size of washing machines, are conducting experiments including the growth of crystals of a potential cancer drug, alongside tests of heat-protection materials and navigation systems for atmospheric re-entry. UK-based startup BioOrbit has sent a microwave-sized laboratory to the International Space Station to study drug production in orbit.

Why microgravity matters

On Earth, gravity causes particles in liquids to settle and density differences drive fluid movement, both of which can disturb crystal growth. In microgravity these effects are reduced, potentially allowing crystals to form in more ordered structures. The size, shape and arrangement of drug crystals can affect how quickly a medicine dissolves, its stability and how it is delivered. More controlled structures could support improved formulations, and in some cases medicines now given as intravenous infusions might be reformulated into injections patients can administer more conveniently. BioOrbit's longer-term ambition is self-injected cancer treatments that are easier to administer outside hospitals.

What businesses should watch

Varda has already recovered several capsules and plans seven more missions in 2027 and another ten in 2028. Repeated missions will indicate whether space-based manufacturing can deliver consistent results. Costs remain a hurdle: launching equipment and materials into orbit is expensive, and companies must show that microgravity's benefits justify the e…