Biotech innovation reaches orbit as Varda aims to revolutionize pharmaceuticals using microgravity technology
Varda Space Industries, a California-based startup pioneering space-based drug manufacturing, has raised a massive $187 million in Series C funding to scale up its mission of producing advanced pharmaceuticals in orbit. The round was led by Crossover Ventures and Founders Fund, with participation from existing backers like Lux Capital and General Catalyst.
Why Manufacture Drugs in Space?
Varda’s approach leverages microgravity environments to develop higher-quality drug compounds that are often difficult to create on Earth. The company is especially focused on producing crystalized forms of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which could dramatically enhance the bioavailability and shelf life of drugs.
- One key application involves the HIV medication ritonavir, which Varda believes can be improved through orbital processing.
- Microgravity allows better crystal formation, which is critical for drug solubility and absorption.
How It Works
Varda uses space capsules launched into low-Earth orbit to manufacture and retrieve drugs. The capsules:
- Carry payloads of pharmaceutical compounds.
- Spend days to weeks in orbit under microgravity.
- Return to Earth for recovery, analysis, and distribution.
In 2023, Varda completed a successful demonstration mission, proving that small-batch manufacturing in space is both viable and scalable.
What the Funding Will Support
- Scale manufacturing: Expand orbital missions from experimental to commercial batches.
- Drug pipeline: Accelerate development of other compounds beyond ritonavir.
- Infrastructure: Grow partnerships with pharmaceutical firms and government agencies.
A New Frontier for Biotech
This funding marks a major milestone for space-based biomanufacturing, positioning Varda as a key innovator at the intersection of space tech and healthcare. Analysts expect the market for off-Earth drug manufacturing to grow significantly in the next decade as pharma companies seek edge-case production methods.
Source: Reuters – Varda Space raises $187 million to accelerate development of drugs in space
