Overview
- Varda Space Industries and United Therapeutics announced a collaboration Wednesday to explore space-based formulation of small‑molecule treatments for rare pulmonary diseases.
- The partners plan multiple low Earth orbit missions on Varda spacecraft to process candidate compounds in microgravity and return them using W‑series reentry capsules.
- United Therapeutics will prescreen compounds with Varda in a new El Segundo lab, then fly the most promising candidates for crystallization studies that seek new crystal forms, or polymorphs.
- ISS research has shown that microgravity reduces convection and sedimentation, leading to more uniform crystals that could improve bioavailability, extend shelf life, and enable inhaled or controlled‑release dosing.
- Varda says its W‑6 vehicle is already in orbit with more launches planned, while the United project remains at the research stage with no clinical results yet and first test flights targeted as early as next year.