NASA's Space Station Project Breaks Ground in Cancer Research, FDA Approves New Treatment
The US Food and Drug Administration has given the green light to a groundbreaking cancer treatment, thanks to research conducted by scientists on board NASA's International Space Station. The new formulation of pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody used to treat various types of cancer, is now being delivered via subcutaneous injection - a more efficient and time-saving method than previous treatments.
In collaboration with Merck, researchers at the space station have been using microgravity to grow protein crystals that are crucial for developing this new cancer treatment. The unique conditions on board the ISS allow scientists to produce higher-quality crystals than those grown in traditional ground-based labs, enabling them to create more effective formulations of medication.
Initially, patients received pembrolizumab through infusion therapy, which involved a lengthy process that could take up to two hours per session. However, with advancements made possible by research on the space station, delivery times have been reduced to less than 30 minutes every three weeks. This is a significant improvement, not only for patients but also for healthcare providers.
The development of this new treatment has its roots in an ongoing research partnership between NASA and Merck that began in 2014. Since then, crystal growth experiments have been flown to the space station to better understand how crystals form, including monoclonal antibodies used in cancer treatments. The results from these experiments have provided valuable insights into the influence of gravity on crystallization, ultimately leading to improved drug formulations.
The success of this research project is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts between NASA and private industry. By leveraging the unique benefits of microgravity, scientists are able to develop new technologies and treatments that can be used to improve lives on Earth. As NASA continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, its research projects like this one also serve as an important stepping stone for human missions to the Moon and Mars.
The US Food and Drug Administration has given the green light to a groundbreaking cancer treatment, thanks to research conducted by scientists on board NASA's International Space Station. The new formulation of pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody used to treat various types of cancer, is now being delivered via subcutaneous injection - a more efficient and time-saving method than previous treatments.
In collaboration with Merck, researchers at the space station have been using microgravity to grow protein crystals that are crucial for developing this new cancer treatment. The unique conditions on board the ISS allow scientists to produce higher-quality crystals than those grown in traditional ground-based labs, enabling them to create more effective formulations of medication.
Initially, patients received pembrolizumab through infusion therapy, which involved a lengthy process that could take up to two hours per session. However, with advancements made possible by research on the space station, delivery times have been reduced to less than 30 minutes every three weeks. This is a significant improvement, not only for patients but also for healthcare providers.
The development of this new treatment has its roots in an ongoing research partnership between NASA and Merck that began in 2014. Since then, crystal growth experiments have been flown to the space station to better understand how crystals form, including monoclonal antibodies used in cancer treatments. The results from these experiments have provided valuable insights into the influence of gravity on crystallization, ultimately leading to improved drug formulations.
The success of this research project is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts between NASA and private industry. By leveraging the unique benefits of microgravity, scientists are able to develop new technologies and treatments that can be used to improve lives on Earth. As NASA continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, its research projects like this one also serve as an important stepping stone for human missions to the Moon and Mars.
IT'S AMAZING HOW SCIENCE AND SPACE RESEARCH CAN COME TOGETHER TO MAKE SUCH A BIG IMPACT ON PEOPLE'S LIVES! THE FACT THAT THEY COULD FINE-TUNE THE FORMULATION OF THIS DRUG BY GROWING PROTEIN CRYSTALS IN MICROGRAVITY IS JUST MIND-BLOWING 
AND NOW WE CAN SEE A REDUCTION IN TREATMENT TIMES FROM TWO HOURS TO LESS THAN 30 MINUTES - THAT'S SUCH A BIG DEAL FOR PATIENTS!!! I THINK IT'S FANTASTIC HOW NASA AND MERCK HAVE BEEN WORKING TOGETHER ON THIS RESEARCH PROJECT SINCE 2014, IT JUST SHOWS US WHAT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED WHEN PEOPLE COME TOGETHER WITH A COMMON GOAL!
so this is wild, right? scientists are growing protein crystals in space to make cancer treatment more efficient 
they're reducing delivery times from hours to under 30 minutes every three weeks that's like a whole different ball game for patients I wonder how much it costs though and what kind of equipment you need to administer the new treatment anyway, do people have access to this? 
. Microgravity is like, totally changing the game when it comes to growing protein crystals and creating new medicines.
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This collaboration between NASA and Merck showcases the power of public-private partnerships and highlights the potential benefits of space research in advancing human health. The reduction in treatment time from two hours to under 30 minutes every three weeks is a significant improvement, not just for patient care but also for healthcare providers. 