Now Reading: Odisha start-up achieves drug crystallisation in near-space mission
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Odisha start-up achieves drug crystallisation in near-space mission
Odisha-based Serendipity Space said it has successfully demonstrated drug crystallisation during a near-space mission, testing its orbital-class satellite prototype and autonomous pharmaceutical factory, Alchemy. The system operated in harsh space conditions and…
The Story in Brief
Odisha-based Serendipity Space said it has successfully demonstrated drug crystallisation during a near-space mission, testing its orbital-class satellite prototype and autonomous pharmaceutical factory, Alchemy. The system operated in harsh space conditions and preserved crystal integrity through controlled return and recovery.
CEO Antariksh Parichha said microgravity enables superior crystal structures that improve drug solubility and stability for formulations such as monoclonal antibodies. The project drew inspiration from Merck's work on the cancer drug Keytruda aboard the International Space Station. The mission used TIFR Hyderabad's balloon launch expertise.
The Indian Opinion
This milestone is impressive, but space-based pharma is often presented as a near-term revolution. The real test will be whether Serendipity Space can scale from a balloon mission to affordable orbital production and bring down the cost of manufacturing in orbit. Until a dose delivered from space costs less than a ground-made one, the hype will outrun the reality. Watch for the company's next orbital demonstration and the price tag per gram of crystallised drug.
Source: rediff.com
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