Sierra Space has revealed new initiatives to advance research and development of biopharmaceutical solutions in LEO during the Dream Chaser spaceplane’s inaugural mission to the International Space Station (ISS)—the plans include conducting experiments to identify new ways to deliver cancer therapies to patients on Earth, in collaboration with Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada.
The collaboration highlights the reason Dream Chaser was designed for smooth re-entry to Earth with the ability to land on commercial runways at fewer than 1.5g’s, a capability that allows for safe return of experiments without rough splashdowns in the ocean or hard landings in the desert. Dream Chaser’s ability to land on runways also provides for rapid access to unload critical cargo from the spaceplane, which is a key advantage when dealing with sensitive biopharma materials.
Among the research initiatives being undertaken in collaboration with Merck is the investigation of experimental formulations of monoclonal antibody therapies for cancer. This research aims to leverage the effects of microgravity to develop high-concentration amorphous suspensions, paving the way for improved therapeutic drug delivery methods. For instance, new formulations could allow for injections administered subcutaneously rather than through intravenous transfusion. Additional potential benefits include the creation of therapies with greater stability, potentially enabling storage without the need for refrigeration.
All of this will be made possible in the Merck Formulation Research Platform that will ride aboard Dream Chaser. The Merck Formulation Research Platform was developed in collaboration with the Merck 3D Printing Department and Sierra Space.
This is the first announcement of a commercial contact partner for Sierra Space’s upcoming Dream Chaser mission, highlighting payload “rideshare” capabilities of the spaceplane. Cargo will also include NASA supplies for astronauts currently aboard the space station.
Sierra Space recently completed and passed its Joint Test 10B milestone in collaboration with NASA on Dream Chaser, demonstrating its ability to power-on, air-cool, and exchange data with powered payloads inside its pressurized cabin. This included testing of cold-stowage payloads that carry scientific matter.
“We know there are vast benefits to conducting science experiments in low-Earth orbit, but we also need to safely return the results of these experiments back to Earth,” said Paul Reichert, Merck Principal Investigator.
“Dream Chaser’s ability to safely return payloads from the ISS laboratory via the same runway as a commercial airplane will greatly increase the survival rate of these delicate materials and hopefully accelerate the advancements of critical treatments.”