Science & Tech · Space · 11 hrs ago
Varda tests cancer drug crystals in orbit as it seeks a viable space business
California startup Varda is testing ways to make medicines in orbit, where reduced gravity can change how some crystals form.
A Varda capsule carrying experiments returned to the Australian desert after 35 days in space, the company's seventh successful return.
One experiment is growing tiny crystals of a potential cancer drug, while other capsules have tested materials and systems for high-speed atmospheric re-entry.
Varda has raised $598 million and is valued at $1.6 billion, but it has yet to prove that making products in space can be profitable.
On Earth, gravity can disrupt crystal growth, and different crystal shapes may affect how a medicine dissolves, stays stable and is absorbed.
Varda says orbital production could help create valuable drug formulations, though not every molecule benefits and space-made results may be hard to reproduce on Earth.
The company has an agreement with United Therapeutics to study formulations for rare lung diseases and has booked 28 launches for 2027 to 2029.
Its next challenge is showing the products are worth the cost of getting them to orbit and back.
Varda Space Industries is testing the formation of crystals for a potential cancer drug in orbit, about 500 kilometres above Earth.
The California startup aims to make medicines and other materials in space and return them to Earth.
Its W-8 capsule returned to Earth after 35 days in orbit, landing in the Australian desert.
Varda has raised $598 million and is valued at $1.6 billion, but its business model has yet to prove it can be profitable.
The company’s approach relies on microgravity, which can reduce disturbances that affect crystal growth on Earth.
- Who
- Varda Space Industries, a California startup founded by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov.
- What
- It is testing the formation of crystals for a potential cancer drug in orbit as part of its effort to build a space-based manufacturing business.
- When
- The article was published on November 8, 2026. Varda’s W-8 capsule returned on November 5.
- Where
- In orbit about 500 kilometres above Earth; W-8 landed in the Australian desert.
- Why
- Microgravity can reduce disturbances to crystal growth and may produce structures that are difficult to obtain on Earth.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Varda Space Industries was founded by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov.
Merck received US approval for Keytruda Qlex, a subcutaneous version developed on Earth.
Varda signed an agreement with United Therapeutics to study new formulations for rare lung diseases.
Varda closed a new $250 million funding round.
Varda’s W-8 capsule returned to Earth after 35 days in space, landing in the Australian desert.
- Orbital altitude
- About 500 kilometres above Earth
- Varda funding raised
- $598 million
- Company valuation
- $1.6 billion
- W-8 mission
- 35 days in space
- Launch bookings
- 28 launches for 2027–2029
What people are saying
Crystal growth is difficult to control