NASA's International Space Station has become a hub for groundbreaking medical research that is now informing a new FDA-approved cancer therapy. Scientists at Merck used the microgravity environment to study protein crystal growth, which yielded crucial insights into creating a more efficient delivery method for the cancer medication pembrolizumab.
Previously, patients would undergo an hour-long infusion treatment via vein injection, but the newly approved subcutaneous injectable form has significantly reduced treatment time and cost. This is a significant improvement, as it allows for quicker administration, reducing strain on healthcare providers and offering better quality of life for those undergoing cancer treatment.
Merck's research efforts in space have been ongoing since 2014, aiming to develop crystalline suspensions that dissolve easily in liquid. In microgravity, scientists are able to grow larger, more uniform crystals than their ground-based counterparts. This breakthrough has implications not only for medication development but also for structural modeling, advancing the field of pharmaceuticals.
The collaboration between NASA and Merck on the space station has provided valuable insights into how gravity affects crystallization. These findings have contributed significantly to improving drug formulations and paving the way for future medical advancements. The research being conducted aboard the International Space Station is not only benefiting patients on Earth but also laying the groundwork for human exploration of the Moon and Mars, further expanding our understanding of space and its applications.
Previously, patients would undergo an hour-long infusion treatment via vein injection, but the newly approved subcutaneous injectable form has significantly reduced treatment time and cost. This is a significant improvement, as it allows for quicker administration, reducing strain on healthcare providers and offering better quality of life for those undergoing cancer treatment.
Merck's research efforts in space have been ongoing since 2014, aiming to develop crystalline suspensions that dissolve easily in liquid. In microgravity, scientists are able to grow larger, more uniform crystals than their ground-based counterparts. This breakthrough has implications not only for medication development but also for structural modeling, advancing the field of pharmaceuticals.
The collaboration between NASA and Merck on the space station has provided valuable insights into how gravity affects crystallization. These findings have contributed significantly to improving drug formulations and paving the way for future medical advancements. The research being conducted aboard the International Space Station is not only benefiting patients on Earth but also laying the groundwork for human exploration of the Moon and Mars, further expanding our understanding of space and its applications.
and I'm literally so grateful that they switched to this new pembrolizumab injectable form now 
it used to take like an hour to get the medicine in my arm but now it's like 10 minutes max 
which is literally a lifesaver for me cuz I have to go back to work after treatment and can't be stuck at home all day 
anyway idk if u guys know but apparently NASA helped Merck develop this new form of the medicine by using the space station 
it's crazy how scientists are growing protein crystals in space now 
and that's supposed to help with drug development who knew space travel would be a game changer for cancer meds lol 
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I gotta say, it's wild to think that scientists are taking lessons from outer space to improve cancer treatment... like who knew microgravity could help us figure out how to make better meds? 
It just goes to show that sometimes the most unexpected places can lead to game-changing breakthroughs! The fact that Merck's been collaborating with NASA since 2014 is a huge testament to the power of intergalactic research (yes, I said it!) and how we're pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. And let's not forget that this breakthrough isn't just about saving lives - it's also about making healthcare more accessible and affordable for people around the world! 
