Space Medicines for Space Health

Abstract

Scientists from around the world are studying the effects of microgravity and cosmic radiation via the “off-Earth” International Space Station (ISS) laboratory platform. The ISS has helped scientists make discoveries that go beyond the basic understanding of Earth. Over 300 medical experiments have been performed to date, with the goal of extending the knowledge gained for the benefit of humanity. This paper gives an overview of these numerous space medical findings, critically identifies challenges and gaps, and puts the achievements into perspective toward long-term space traveling and also adding benefits to our home planet. The medical contents are trifold structured, starting with the well-being of space travelers (astronaut health studies), followed by medical formulation research under space conditions, and then concluding with a blueprint for space pharmaceutical manufacturing. The review covers essential elements of our Earth-based pharmaceutical research such as drug discovery, drug and formulation stability, drug–organ interaction, drug disintegration/​bioavailability/​pharmacokinetics, pathogen virulence, genome mutation, and body’s resistance. The information compiles clinical, medicinal, biological, and chemical research as well as fundamentals and practical applications.

The kidney, volume homeostasis and osmoregulation in space: current perspective and knowledge gaps

“…Moreover, anecdotal evidence suggests that the response to drug therapies may be altered in space. This issue coupled with limited shelf life of many medications and potential degradation through radiation might be particularly problematic during long-term lunar or mars missions where it is not possible to return to Earth on short notice 92 . To date, around 80 different drugs are available on the ISS 93 .…”

“…Yet, only the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen, scopolamine, promethazine and antipyrine have been tested in space 94 . Although, these studies have several limitations, an apparent trend toward altered drug disposition during spaceflight compared to measurements on Earth could be seen 92 , 94 . In particular, the expression changes of CYP450 superfamily of enzymes, which metabolizes 70–80% of all prescription drugs, was observed in rodents, but data in humans are lacking 93 , 95 .…”

A long trip into the universe: Psychedelics and space travel

“…The growing public interest in psychedelics can be seen in the context of the search by many in our modern world for mindfulness, spirituality, healing, and meaning. Given the proliferation of retreats and clinics providing psychedelic experiences and therapy, it may indeed be possible that, once space tourism becomes well established, psychedelic space wellness packages will one day be on offer Even though our understanding of human space physiology has improved substantially, ensuring astronaut wellness, and building medical care capabilities for space exploration remain daunting challenges (Tran et al, 2022). The safe use of psychedelics in a high-risk space environment requires careful consideration, given the duration, intensity and potential negative outcomes of the psychedelic experience or "trip" (e.g., dissociation, paranoia, hallucinogenic phenomena, and confusion).…”

Expiration Analysis of the International Space Station Formulary for Exploration Mission Planning

“…7 However, the expiration of medications, lack of resupply capability, and absence of emergency evacuation present an operational challenge to the medical capabilities during deep space missions, such as a 36 month expedition to and from Mars. [8][9][10] Therefore, it is imperative to consider the usefulness of a safe and effective pharmacy aboard future spacecraft. Medication stability and potency are a few of the primary factors to consider for supplying a self-sufficient astropharmacy, capable of performing Earth Independent Medical Operations (EIMO).…”