BioOrbit Raises $13.2M Seed Round to Advance Space-Based Drug Manufacturing

Other companies operating in this segment include Varda Space Industries and SpacePharma, both focused on infrastructure for pharmaceutical research and production in microgravity environments.

London-based BioOrbit has raised £9.8 million ($13.2 million) in a seed funding round to advance its space-based pharmaceutical manufacturing platform. The round was co-led by LocalGlobe and Breega, with participation from Seedcamp, 7 percent, Type One, Auxxo, and angel investors.

The company plans to use the funding to accelerate its transition from research-stage development to industrial deployment, while securing contracted pharmaceutical programs.

BioOrbit’s platform focuses on microgravity crystallization conducted in low-Earth orbit through its proprietary hardware system, BOX. The compact unit, roughly the size of a microwave, is designed to autonomously operate in space and convert protein-based drugs into highly ordered crystalline structures. According to the company, this process reduces drug viscosity, potentially enabling therapies typically delivered intravenously to be reformulated into subcutaneous, self-injectable formats.

This approach could impact treatment delivery in areas such as oncology, where certain therapies may be administered outside hospital settings. The company also indicates that its platform may support the development of new drug formulations and extend the lifecycle of existing therapies by enabling manufacturing processes not feasible under Earth’s gravity conditions.

Interest in microgravity-based pharmaceutical development is increasing across the industry. Research conducted aboard the International Space Station, including collaborations between NASA and Merck, has demonstrated how microgravity can influence protein crystal growth. This research contributed to the development of a subcutaneous version of pembrolizumab, an oncology therapy originally administered via intravenous infusion.

“In-orbit manufacturing is a priority capability for this government, and BioOrbit is a compelling example of UK innovation in practice,” said Liz Lloyd. “By using the space environment to produce pharmaceutical-grade materials, the company is advancing capabilities in both the space and healthcare sectors.”

Other companies operating in this segment include Varda Space Industries and SpacePharma, both focused on infrastructure for pharmaceutical research and production in microgravity environments.

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