The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory is collaborating with NASA to promote research targeting major diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

With cancer being a leading cause of death in the U.S., where over 2 million cases and 600,000 deaths are anticipated in 2023, this initiative emphasizes the urgency of cancer research in space.

In July, the ISS National Lab allocated over $7 million through the Cancer Moonshot initiative to support five research teams focused on cancer treatments in microgravity.

Previously, the ISS National Lab and NASA announced five projects selected from the inaugural Igniting Innovation NLRA, aimed at advancing cancer research during the ISS Research and Development Conference in Boston.

Utilizing AI technology, researchers aim to accelerate the discovery and validation of new medical treatments by efficiently analyzing large datasets.

The Yotta platform, developed by Deep Space Biology, employs artificial intelligence to analyze biological data and enhance cancer treatment research.

Research topics of interest include enhanced disease models, drug screening and development, drug delivery innovations, and addressing drug resistance and toxicity.

The collaboration among various organizations in space biotechnology indicates a promising future for innovative healthcare solutions derived from space research.

The NLRA aims to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government to develop commercially viable medical technologies.

Ray Lugo, CEO of the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, highlighted the ISS's crucial role in advancing biomedical research that impacts patient care on Earth.

Since 2013, the ISS National Lab has been conducting microgravity research to improve life on Earth, with a focus on health and disease understanding.

The proposal submission process for this initiative consists of three steps, with Concept Summaries due by September 26, 2024, and an informational webinar scheduled for August 22, 2024.