How a Mass. startup is using space to transform drug delivery

Catch up quick: Eascra has conducted experiments on five flights in space since 2023 to determine how developing Janus Base Nanoparticles (JBNs) — tiny particles that can deliver drugs to the human body — in microgravity changes their function.

• The space-grown JBNs were more uniform in shape and size than their Earth-made counterparts, making for more consistent drug delivery, Snow says.
• Eascra used the nanoparticles to apply drugs to a tumor and other medicines. Researchers found the particles could maintain mRNA at room temperature for extended periods of time. (It usually requires cold storage).

The latest: Astronauts have spent the past five weeks on the International Space Station expanding Eascra's JBN production in space.

• When they return to Earth later this week, they will bring the space-grown samples and evaluate their quality, including in animal testing.
• "At that point, we'll have comparison data that will tell us specifically what is the verified improvement from Earth to space production," Snow says.
• Those experiments will likely be done by late summer, followed by a third-party evaluation of Eascra's findings.

Zoom out: The goal is to start discussions with the Food and Drug Administration about seeking approval for space-made medicine, Snow says.

• Getting drugs and gene editing that rely on space-grown nanoparticles to market could take close to a decade, Snow predicts.

Yes, but: The research has relied on both private space exploration and public grants, including several from the Department of Defense.

• If the Trump administration cuts those grants, it could affect Eascra's chances of getting funding to continue its work.

In the meantime, Eascra is continuing as normal.

• It recently secured lab space in Worcester and a $100,000 grant from MassVentures.