In the realm of pharmaceuticals, the pursuit of innovation knows no bounds. Scientists and researchers constantly strive to leverage cutting-edge technologies to push the boundaries of drug discovery. One such frontier that has captured the imagination of many in the scientific community is space-based drug discovery. Sachi Bio takes a leap into the future and makes drug-discovery in space a reality.
When astronauts and space tourists spend time in space, they may experience problems with their muscles, nerves, and even brain function. Scientists believe this happens because space environments can speed up aging and brain degeneration. Although we don't fully understand the exact reasons yet, this issue is a serious health concern for people who spend time in space. Researchers are working on ways to prevent these problems, but there's also an opportunity here: the changes that happen in space could help us quickly test new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders that affect people on Earth.
A new study shows brain aging in space, and Nanoligomer treatment can reverse disease pathology
In a new study from Sachi Bio published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience, researchers used a new approach to test potential treatments on Earth and in space. During a 43-day mission on the SpaceX CRS-29 flight to the International Space Station, they tested their Nanoligomer technology to see if it could protect against brain damage caused by microgravity (the low gravity in space). To do this, they used lab-grown mini-brains, called organoids, which mimic parts of the human brain. They focused on two types of brain cells: prefrontal cortex cells, which are involved in thinking and decision-making, and motor neuron cells, which help control muscles. These organoids were exposed to space conditions, and researchers compared the changes they saw to similar organoids kept on Earth.
The results were clear: both the healthy and diseased organoids showed more signs of brain degeneration when exposed to space. They looked at biomarkers related to diseases like Alzheimer’s, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and found that space seemed to speed up the damage associated with these diseases. However, when they treated these organoids with two special Nanoligomers (NI112 and NI113), the damage was greatly reduced. These Nanoligomers target specific molecules (NF-κB and IL-6) involved in inflammation and brain degeneration.
Even better, the treatments didn’t cause any harm to the organoids, meaning they appear to be safe for the brain. This is promising because it shows that these Nanoligomers could not only help protect astronauts’ brains during space travel but could also be developed as treatments for brain diseases on Earth.
Overall, the study highlights how space research can accelerate the development of new treatments. The unique environment of space allows researchers to test drugs quickly and could lead to breakthroughs that benefit millions of people suffering from diseases like Alzheimer’s, FTD, and ALS. It’s exciting to think that space exploration might not only push the boundaries of science but also lead to new medical treatments for people on Earth.
Looking Towards the Future
As we stand on the cusp of a new era in pharmaceutical research, the possibilities presented by space-based drug discovery are both exciting and limitless. The synergy between space exploration and medicine holds the promise of transforming healthcare and improving patients' lives worldwide.
In conclusion, space-based drug discovery represents a paradigm shift in the pharmaceutical industry, offering a gateway to unparalleled advancements and breakthroughs. By embracing this cutting-edge approach, researchers are poised to redefine the landscape of drug development and pave the way for a healthier future for all.
Sadhana Sharma, Vincenzo S. Gilberto, Jon Rask, Anushree Chatterjee*, Prashant Nagpal* (2024). ACS Chemical Neuroscience 15, 16, 3009–3021.