What’s happening?

There are links and synergies between space, (human, animal and plant) health and (red, white and green) biotech. The European Space Agency organized the first series of events focusing on health and biotech. 

Why this is important?

The covid crisis has revealed the need to adopt a holistic, collaborative and interdisciplinary vision of health (One Health concept), going far beyond the prevention of health crises to attain optimal health for people, animals, plants and our environment. 

Space can add value in this respect due to its unique characteristics in terms of Earth observation, microgravity, remoteness, living in a harsh environment, and the need to develop resilient and sustainable ecosystems. 

Space can contribute to any and all of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance, most climate change parameters can be monitored from space. Not only many vector-borne diseases can be monitored, but space can assist in dealing with non-communicable diseases for which environmental risk factors play a role. Use cases range from public health risk mapping and epidemiology to the concrete design of clinical trials, and include the tracking and delivery of certain medicines such as vaccines and production, delivery and marketing improvements. 

Space can also help in dealing with vertical forests and other attempts to bring greenery back into (smarter) cities and the need to carefully monitor the related biotopes from a public health perspective.

By the end of the decade, we will likely have shifted from 2 (public) space stations orbiting Earth to around 7 to 9 (private/commercial) space stations orbiting Earth and the Moon, for which the terms and conditions for access and use still need to be discussed. 

Possibly before a decade, representatives of homo sapiens will - for the first time ever - permanently live elsewhere than on Earth. As a result, all healthcare-related aspects, including diagnosis, disease prevention and treatment, drug manufacturing and healthcare treatment, will need to be adapted accordingly. 

What's in it for you? 

There is ongoing sub and orbital medical and biomedical research and related public support.  

It is currently possible to carry out stem cells research in space, 3D bioprinting, regenerate tissues, and to design, develop and manufacture medicines in orbit; the related offer will likely increase.

Around 70% startups are engaged in Europe in space & health-related projects and activities, and much more globally. 

Space-related digital products and services, remote diagnostics and treatment represent an increasing portion of the total healthcare market. 

What are the next steps?

There will be other related events. 

It is important to continue raising awareness about the links and synergies between space, health and biotech, sharing best practices and avoid any misconception (e.g., in terms of the timing and costs for developing drugs in space).

To ensure freedom to operate in a common framework, all relevant policy, legal, regulatory and ethical healthcare- related aspects need to be carefully examined. For instance, it is necessary to determine whether the currently applicable “good practices” (manufacturing - GMP, laboratory – GLP and clinical - CGP) are adapted to space. 

Public support and update activities for relevant (public and private) projects and actions should continue and (future) work program documents should be adapted accordingly.