The ISS National Lab and NASA are seeking proposals that harness the unique environment of space to develop new or enhance existing technologies that can help solve health challenges on Earth. Diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions, immune disorders, muscle and bone degeneration, and neurodegenerative diseases often face common obstacles that impede scientific progress and the clinical application of research findings. Utilizing accelerated disease models in the microgravity environment of the ISS could help mitigate these challenges.

This NLRA encourages collaboration among academic institutions, industry, and government entities to create innovative, commercially viable products and technologies aimed at improving health outcomes on Earth. Key areas of interest for this research announcement include:

- Enhanced Models to Study Disease Mechanisms: Unraveling the complexities of disease onset and progression to identify therapeutic targets is challenging. Microgravity could enhance cell-based models, such as tissue chips and organoids, to provide deeper insights into disease mechanisms, potentially leading to personalized therapies.

- Population and Disease Heterogeneity: The variability in genetic and demographic factors, including age and sex, complicates drug discovery and treatment efficacy. Addressing this heterogeneity is crucial for developing more effective therapies.

- Drug Screening and Development: The space environment allows for high-throughput drug screening using 3D cell cultures and tissue models that better mimic the human body. Innovative technologies are needed to accelerate the identification of preclinical drug candidates.

- Drug Delivery: Advances in drug delivery, such as nanotechnology and targeted therapies, are essential to improve treatment precision and minimize side effects. The discovery of new biomarkers is also critical to enhance treatment outcomes.

- Drug Resistance and Toxicity: Drug resistance, particularly in cancer treatment, poses significant challenges, as cells can adapt and reduce drug efficacy. Additionally, the toxicity of treatments like chemotherapy requires careful management to balance effectiveness with adverse effects.

At the ISS Research and Development Conference held in Boston last month, the ISS National Lab and NASA unveiled five projects selected through the first Igniting Innovation NLRA, which focuses on leveraging the space environment to advance cancer research for the benefit of patients on Earth.

"We are proud to collaborate again this year with NASA's Biological and Physical Sciences division on this important initiative to bring the transformative power of space-based inquiry into the fight against diseases that touch all of our lives," said ISS National Lab Chief Scientific Officer Michael Roberts. "Our inaugural solicitation in 2023 resulted in the selection of five innovative concepts to leverage microgravity and the space station to benefit patients on Earth. We look forward to enabling access to even more ideas that ignite innovation and fuel research and development for the benefit of humanity."

"Space-based research has a long history of contributing to advancements on Earth," added Lisa Carnell, director of NASA's Biological and Physical Sciences division. "Continuing the Igniting Innovation solicitation could contribute to the next big leap in disease therapies. We are excited to collaborate with the ISS National Lab on this endeavor to help address some of the biggest health challenges facing the world today."

The NLRA follows a three-step proposal submission process: Step 1A involves submitting a Concept Summary, Step 1B requires a Technology Roadmap, and Step 2 is the Full Proposal. Concept Summaries for Step 1A must be submitted by the end of the day on September 26, 2024.

Interested parties can learn more about this research announcement by registering for a webinar hosted by the ISS National Lab on August 22, 2024, at 1 p.m. EDT.

Research Opportunity:NLRA 2024-9 Igniting Innovation: Science In Space To Cure Disease On Earth

Related Links
International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory
Space Medicine Technology and Systems