Starlab Space and Auxilium Biotechnologies have partnered to advance research, device development and manufacturing workflows in regenerative medicine, implantable medical technologies, and complex tissue engineering applications.
The companies believe their alliance represents a 'significant advancement in 3D bioprinting and biofabrication in orbit.'
Starlab is working to make its next-generation, AI-enabled commercial space station a premier platform for scientific discovery and technological advancement in space. Microgravity enables breakthroughs considered impossible on Earth by allowing enhanced protein crystallisation for improved drug development, 3D cell growth and disease modelling that better replicates human biology, and advanced stem cell research with applications for treating conditions such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's.
Per their agreement, Auxilium will provide orbital 3D bioprinting and biofabrication capabilities aboard the Starlab space station. Auxilium’s proprietary AMP-1 3D bioprinter is said to have demonstrated the mass production of implantable medical devices and other complex structures, such as perfusable blood vessels, in microgravity aboard the International Space Station. Now partnered with Starlab, Auxilium hopes to accelerate the transition from experimental biology to manufacturable products.
“3D printing in microgravity enables tissue architectures and material properties not achievable under standard 1g manufacturing,” said Isac Lazarovits, Director of Engineering at Auxilium. “This biomanufacturing facility on board the future Starlab space station will expand access to low Earth orbit, lower barriers for industry and academia, and enable high-impact research and manufacturing that will benefit Earth.”
"This partnership demonstrates Starlab's commitment to fostering innovation in life sciences," added Marshall Smith, CEO of Starlab. "By providing companies like Auxilium with the infrastructure to advance biomanufacturing in microgravity, we're creating pathways for breakthrough therapies that will improve lives on Earth."
Starlab Space is a U.S.-led, global joint venture among Voyager Technologies, Airbus, Mitsubishi Corporation, MDA Space, Palantir Technologies, and Space Applications Services, with strategic partners including Hilton, Journey, Northrop Grumman, and The Ohio State University.
