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Sachi Bio Featured in Science Magazine for Artemis II Neurological Countermeasures, Pioneering Pathways to Extend Human Longevity

  • Apr 2
  • 4 min read

Updated: Apr 4

ERIE, CO – As NASA launches the Artemis II mission—the first crewed spaceflight to leave Earth's protective magnetic cocoon for the Moon in over 50 years—Sachi Bio is gaining prestigious recognition for its development of novel neurological countermeasures. Recently highlighted in Science magazine's feature "Into the Deep," Sachi Bio’s proprietary RNA-based therapeutics are being developed to protect astronauts from the severe hazards of deep-space radiation, while simultaneously driving breakthrough treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and extending human longevity on Earth.

Combating the Hazards of Deep Space Radiation During the upcoming Artemis II mission, astronauts will be exposed to galactic cosmic rays and particle radiation that can tear through body tissues, scramble immune systems, and cause radiation-induced cognitive decline. In the Science magazine feature, Sachi Bio and co-founder Prashant Nagpal were highlighted for developing a novel drug candidate that targets an immune molecule implicated in neuronal death—a mechanism shared by both deep-space radiation exposure and terrestrial neurodegenerative diseases. The Science article notes that Sachi Bio's therapeutics successfully protected brain tissue cultures flown on the International Space Station (ISS) and shielded the brains of Alzheimer's-mimicking mice subjected to radiation. Looking toward the future of deep-space exploration, Nagpal envisions establishing manufacturing sites at base stations to supply these vital therapies to astronauts as needed during long-duration missions.


Extending Human Longevity Through Space-Based Research The microgravity environment of space accelerates the aging process and neurodegeneration, creating a unique, rapid-testing environment that mimics "inflammaging"—the chronic, low-grade inflammation associated with advanced age. During a recent 43-day mission aboard the ISS, Sachi Bio tested its lead Nanoligomers, including NI112, on 3D human brain organoids. The space-exposed organoids displayed accelerated disease pathology, but treatment with NI112 safely and successfully reversed the markers of neurodegeneration and aging to baseline levels.


Because NI112 addresses the fundamental inflammatory and inflammasome activation pathways that drive both cognitive decline and muscle degeneration, the drug offers profound implications for extending healthy human lifespans. Recognizing this incredible potential, Sachi Bio recently won the US National Academy of Medicine Sponsored "Healthy Longevity Global Challenge" for Healthy Aging, and published findings on the age-reversing effects of its drug molecule in the Journal of Neuroinflammation.

Proven Platform Technology and Scientific Validation The power of Sachi Bio’s proprietary Nanoligomer™ platform has been rigorously validated in peer-reviewed scientific literature:


  • Reversing Radiation Immunosuppression: A 2022 paper published in Life Sciences in Space Research by demonstrated the platform's high-throughput capability to rapidly discover, synthesize, and validate Nanoligomers that up- or down-regulate gene expression to effectively reverse radiation-induced immunosuppression.


  • Agile Deep Space Countermeasures: A 2022 review in Life Sciences in Space Research by Bokhari et al. highlighted Sachi Bio's Nanoligomer platform as a unique, agile nucleotide-based approach that accelerates the design-build-test-learn cycle from months to days, allowing for customized, "just-in-time" therapies during deep space missions.


  • Protecting the Brain in Microgravity: A 2024 paper published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience by Sharma et al. showcased the results of the 43-day ISS mission, proving that NI112 and NI113 (targeting IL-6) safely and successfully reduced space-induced disease pathology in 3D human motor and prefrontal cortex brain organoids.


Accelerating Therapeutics for Earth-Bound Patients This space-based drug discovery pipeline is already yielding real-world applications for patients suffering from terminal conditions. Sachi Bio recently received a Therapeutic Development Award from the U.S. Department of Defense to advance NI112 toward clinical studies as a treatment to combat chronic neuroinflammation in ALS patients.


“This award is a powerful testament to the massive potential of RNA therapeutics to tackle neurodegenerative diseases on Earth and in space,” said Anushree Chatterjee, CEO of Sachi Bio. “The deep and continuing commitment from our federal partners—the Department of Defense (DoD) and NASA, through the Human Research Program (HRP) and the In-Space Manufacturing and Production (InSPA) programs—alongside our recognition from the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) via the Healthy Longevity Catalyst Award, serves as a profound validation of Sachi Bio’s mission.


The support from these elite institutions confirms the significance of our Nanoligomer™ platform as a leading-edge solution for the future of human health. NI112’s ability to precisely regulate gene expression and combat neuroinflammation represents a true paradigm shift in ALS treatment. This multi-agency validation directly accelerates our advancement of dual-use technology toward clinical studies—protecting brain health for long-duration space missions while offering transformative hope to patients and families affected by ALS and other devastating neurological conditions here on Earth.”


About Sachi Bio: Sachi Bio is a leading biotechnology company pioneering RNA-based therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and aging-related disorders. By integrating cutting-edge molecular biology, bioinformatics, and space-based research, Sachi Bio utilizes its proprietary Nanoligomer™ platform to reshape the future of drug discovery and develop life-changing molecular innovations.


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Press Inquiries: media@sachibio.com

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