UK STARTUP LAUNCHES DRUG-MAKING TO SPACE STATION

The London-based startup's Box-E device, roughly microwave-sized, will grow protein crystals in microgravity—a process expected to yield more effective and purer drug formulations than ground-based production. Crystallising proteins in space eliminates gravity's interference, allowing molecules to arrange with greater precision. This technique could enable patients to self-administer cancer treatments, potentially expanding access to therapies that currently require clinical administration. BioOrbit developed the crystallisation technology at its London labs. The startup aims to demonstrate that space-based manufacturing can solve longstanding challenges in drug purity and efficacy. The project marks growing commercial interest in using orbital environments for pharmaceutical development. If successful, the approach could reduce production costs and timelines for complex protein-based medicines, addressing treatment gaps for millions of cancer patients worldwide.