Latest news with #BioE3
Business Wire
10-06-2025
- Science
- Business Wire
Redwire Selected by NASA to Facilitate Biotechnology Research as Part of Historic International Human Spaceflight Mission
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW), a leader in space infrastructure for the next- generation space economy, announced today that it has been selected by NASA to facilitate a Space Microalgae biotechnology experiment. The experiment, developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), and the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi will launch on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS). The Space Microalgae investigation will analyze the impact of microgravity on the growth, metabolism, and genetic activity of three strains of edible microalgae, which researchers are assessing as a potential sustainable food source for long-duration space missions. For this research mission, Redwire will manage mission integration, scientific fulfillment, and on orbit operations. 'Redwire is proud to be working with NASA, ISRO, the ICGEB, and NIPGR on this multinational biotechnology research effort that could have significant implications for future long-duration spaceflight missions to the Moon and Mars,' said John Vellinger, Redwire's President of In-Space Industries. 'As a global leader in microgravity research and development technologies, it is incredibly exciting to contribute to global scientific progress in sustainable food sources for long-duration space missions. 'We are excited to engage with Redwire to launch this important investigation to the ISS,' said Dr. Shashi Kumar from the ICGEB. 'This work will help advance our knowledge of microalgae as supplement for crew nutrition so critical for the future of long-duration spaceflight. The Government of India's BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy has an important vertical on space biomanufacturing, and this work is the first space project to be supported under it.' Redwire is the global leader in microgravity research, development, and manufacturing technologies, specializing in space biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and plant research. Redwire has more than three decades of human spaceflight heritage and experience producing and operating systems and currently owns nine payloads and facilities aboard the ISS, including Redwire's trailblazing BioFabrication Facility and PIL-BOX platform. Leveraging these unique capabilities, Redwire has successfully bio-printed the first-ever human knee meniscus and first live human heart tissue in space and has successfully grown small molecule crystals optimized for drug development in microgravity. Ax-4 will launch an international crew of astronauts from India, Poland, Hungary, and the United States to the ISS marking the second human spaceflight mission for India, Poland, and Hungary. It will also be the first time all three nations will conduct an investigation on board the ISS. About Redwire Redwire Corporation (NYSE:RDW) is a global space infrastructure and innovation company enabling civil, commercial, and national security programs. Redwire's proven and reliable capabilities include avionics, sensors, power solutions, critical structures, mechanisms, radio frequency systems, platforms, missions, and microgravity payloads. Redwire combines decades of flight heritage and proven experience with an agile and innovative culture. Redwire's approximately 750 employees working from 17 facilities located throughout the United States and Europe are committed to building a bold future in space for humanity, pushing the envelope of discovery and science while creating a better world on Earth. For more information, please visit
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Redwire Selected by NASA to Facilitate Biotechnology Research as Part of Historic International Human Spaceflight Mission
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW), a leader in space infrastructure for the next- generation space economy, announced today that it has been selected by NASA to facilitate a Space Microalgae biotechnology experiment. The experiment, developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), and the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi will launch on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS). The Space Microalgae investigation will analyze the impact of microgravity on the growth, metabolism, and genetic activity of three strains of edible microalgae, which researchers are assessing as a potential sustainable food source for long-duration space missions. For this research mission, Redwire will manage mission integration, scientific fulfillment, and on orbit operations. "Redwire is proud to be working with NASA, ISRO, the ICGEB, and NIPGR on this multinational biotechnology research effort that could have significant implications for future long-duration spaceflight missions to the Moon and Mars," said John Vellinger, Redwire's President of In-Space Industries. "As a global leader in microgravity research and development technologies, it is incredibly exciting to contribute to global scientific progress in sustainable food sources for long-duration space missions. "We are excited to engage with Redwire to launch this important investigation to the ISS," said Dr. Shashi Kumar from the ICGEB. "This work will help advance our knowledge of microalgae as supplement for crew nutrition so critical for the future of long-duration spaceflight. The Government of India's BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy has an important vertical on space biomanufacturing, and this work is the first space project to be supported under it." Redwire is the global leader in microgravity research, development, and manufacturing technologies, specializing in space biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and plant research. Redwire has more than three decades of human spaceflight heritage and experience producing and operating systems and currently owns nine payloads and facilities aboard the ISS, including Redwire's trailblazing BioFabrication Facility and PIL-BOX platform. Leveraging these unique capabilities, Redwire has successfully bio-printed the first-ever human knee meniscus and first live human heart tissue in space and has successfully grown small molecule crystals optimized for drug development in microgravity. Ax-4 will launch an international crew of astronauts from India, Poland, Hungary, and the United States to the ISS marking the second human spaceflight mission for India, Poland, and Hungary. It will also be the first time all three nations will conduct an investigation on board the ISS. About Redwire Redwire Corporation (NYSE:RDW) is a global space infrastructure and innovation company enabling civil, commercial, and national security programs. Redwire's proven and reliable capabilities include avionics, sensors, power solutions, critical structures, mechanisms, radio frequency systems, platforms, missions, and microgravity payloads. Redwire combines decades of flight heritage and proven experience with an agile and innovative culture. Redwire's approximately 750 employees working from 17 facilities located throughout the United States and Europe are committed to building a bold future in space for humanity, pushing the envelope of discovery and science while creating a better world on Earth. For more information, please visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Emily 305-632-9137 Investors: investorrelations@ 904-425-1431 Sign in to access your portfolio
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
BioNext: Generics to biologics, India's moment to lead
Picture this: A cancer patient in a district hospital, once sent abroad for care, now begins treatment with cell therapy—developed and produced just a few hours away, in a domestic biomanufacturing facility. No loud declarations, no sweeping claims--just the quiet signal of a new capability taking root, as India steadily builds a biomanufacturing future from the ground up. India's strength in pharmaceuticals is well known--but what's unfolding now goes beyond low-cost generics and vaccines. With promising advances like the recent approval of India's first indigenous CAR-T cell therapy and successful early-stage gene therapy trials for haemophilia, India is carving out a leadership role on the global stage of biologics. But seizing this opportunity is not guaranteed. It depends on how we build the path ahead. India has the ingredients—future-ready talent base, manufacturing infrastructure, and supportive government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentives and the BioE3 policy. These have laid the foundation, but rising as a leader will demand more: coordination, bold investment, and a focus on capabilities that secure long-term advantage. What could make the difference? First, shaping leadership on two interconnected fronts will be essential: building capacity for next-generation biologic modalities and securing access to the inputs that power them. These biologics--such as cell and gene therapies, monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and nucleic acid-based treatments--depend on a precise, fast-evolving suite of components. These include everything from expression vectors and viral plasmids to single-use bioprocess components, engineered cell lines, chemical delivery systems, chromatography resins, cytokines, custom enzymes, and purification reagents. A missing reagent or delayed shipment doesn't just slow down a process; it can ground an entire production line. Building production capacity of these inputs—especially near biomanufacturing hubs--will be key to ensuring supply security, operational resilience, lower costs, and faster development timelines. It also advances national self-reliance and positions India as a promising friend-shoring destination for global partners away from high-risk geographies. Second, every stride in biomanufacturing hinges on infrastructure built to enable it. Modular, purpose-built GMP facilities form the backbone of biologics and reagent production. When infrastructure opens its doors, ideas move faster, risks shrink, and the entire biomanufacturing ecosystem grows stronger. Third, new era of biomanufacturing is taking shape—driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), robotics, and automation. At its core are large biological language models (LBLMs) reshaping how we engineer biology. Trained on vast biological and process-specific datasets, these AI models and tools are accelerating discovery and transforming bioprocessing—from identifying drug targets and designing novel proteins to optimising leads and streamlining workflows for more scalable, reliable, and error-free production. Fourth, talent will be the X-factor—biomanufacturing's future turns on a specialised workforce trained at the intersection of engineering biology, synthetic biology, bioprocessing, and AI, ML and LBLM. Finally, as advances in engineering biology, synthetic biology, and AI redefine how biologics are discovered, developed, and produced, regulatory systems must evolve too. An agile framework that keeps pace with scientific progress--while aligning with global standards for safety, quality and reliability--can accelerate innovation cycles, increase trust in products, and strengthen the global competitiveness of the biomanufacturing ecosystem. How do we take the lead? Advance and expand future-ready biomanufacturing platforms by supporting both the development of new purpose-built modular facilities and the repurposing of existing biopharma infrastructure through phased adaptation of suitable components. These facilities should function as shared public-private platforms—ensuring sustainability and broad access for start-ups, Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs), transitioning biomanufacturers, and entrepreneurs relocating operations. Localise supply chains by establishing domestic production capacity for critical reagents and materials within priority manufacturing zones, while incentivising biopharma companies and start-ups to enter this space through targeted support schemes and investment-friendly policies. Establish centralised bio-AI infrastructure through institutionally anchored platforms that give developers access to high-performance computing, well-curated biological datasets, and secure cloud environments. These platforms should serve as national enablers—coordinating with start-ups, pharma companies, CDMOs, and academic partners to collaboratively develop AI models and tools suited to biomanufacturing needs —ranging from models for protein design to simulation tools for optimising cell culture, purification, and quality control. Once in place, this same digital backbone can also support building and deploying AI agents to augment human operation across the biomanufacturing pipeline —from fine-tuning bioprocess conditions and flagging inconsistencies to automating regulatory documentation and forecasting supply needs, these intelligent systems can enhance speed, quality, and consistency throughout production and compliance workflows. Cultivate a robust and future-ready talent pipeline through interdisciplinary training, upskilling programmes, curriculum reforms—supported by strong academia-industry collaboration—at the interface of advanced biomanufacturing disciplines and AI-integrated platforms. Prioritise initiatives for targeted hiring—including efforts to attract Indian postdoctoral researchers and professionals abroad who are seeking meaningful opportunities to return. Invest in scaling domestic capabilities through targeted government instruments such as viability gap funding, low-interest loans, and innovation-linked incentives that reduce early-stage risk. Identify and support entities with the capacity and potential to deliver high-impact products at scale. Modernise regulatory systems to enable risk-proportionate approval pathways, ensure globally benchmarked product quality, enhance biosafety and biosecurity protocols, and achieve world-class compliance to build international product credibility and drive market leadership. With key initiatives already in motion under BIoE3 policy spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology, pharma companies, CDMOs, and innovators must now build on this momentum—moving beyond legacy products to invest in high-value areas like advanced biologics and critical reagent production. The opportunity is here; the sector is ready. It's time to lead. This article is authored by Dhananjay Kumar Tiwary, Senior Fellow, Brown University, US, and on leave from his position as adviser to the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.
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Business Standard
16-05-2025
- Science
- Business Standard
India to conduct first biological experiments aboard ISS: Jitendra Singh
India is set to conduct its first-ever biological experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to study the sustainability of human life in space, Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said on Thursday. An important initiative under the BioE3, these unique experiments, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), will be carried out as part of the upcoming International Space Station (ISS) mission AXIOM-4, with Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as a crew member. Singh said the first experiment at the ISS will examine the impact of microgravity and space radiation on the growth of edible microalgae, a nutrient-rich potential food source for long-duration space missions. This project is a joint initiative of Isro, NASA, and DBT and aims to analyse key growth parameters and changes in transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes of different algal species in space, as compared to Earth-based controls. The results will help identify the most suitable microalgal species for use in space environments, he added. Microalgae offer several key advantages that make them ideal candidates for sustaining life in space. They have an extremely short life cycle, with some species growing in as little as 26 hours, allowing for rapid biomass production. The second experiment at the ISS will study the growth and proteomic responses of cyanobacteria, such as Spirulina and Synechococcus, under microgravity conditions using urea- and nitrate-based media. Singh said the need to recycle carbon and nitrogen from human waste during prolonged space travel to achieve self-sustainability in spacecraft and future extraterrestrial colonies. Cyanobacteria, due to their fast growth and efficient photosynthesis, are ideal agents for such recycling systems, he said. According to the minister, the experiment aims to explore Spirulina as a "superfood" due to its high protein and vitamin content, compare the growth of cyanobacterial cells in urea versus nitrate environments, and study the effect of space conditions on their metabolic profiles. The experiments have been developed in association with scientists from the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, under the broader Isro-DBT research collaboration.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
In a first, India to conduct experiments aboard ISS to study sustainability of life in space
NEW DELHI: India is all set to conduct the first ever biological experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to study the sustainability of human life in space, ministry of science & technology announced on Thursday. The initiative comes as a part of BioE3 Biotechnology policy launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "In a historic initiative, the first of its kind ever in the world, India is set to conduct first-ever biological experiments aboard the "International Space Station" (ISS) to study the sustainability of human life in Space," science and technology minister Jitendra Singh said in a post on X. "The unique experiments, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation #Isro in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology #DBT, will be carried out as part of the upcoming International Space Station (ISS) mission Axiom-4, with Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as a crew member. The DBT has undertaken this ambitious project as a sequel to the "#BioE3" Biotechnology policy launched by PM Sh @NarendraModi," he added. The experiments led by Isro in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) are set to take place aboard the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station, with astronaut group captain Shubhanshu Shukla among the crew, according to a statement by the department. "This project is a joint initiative of Isro, Nasa, and DBT and aims to analyze key growth parameters and changes in transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes of different algal species in space, as compared to Earth-based controls. The results will help identify the most suitable microalgal species for use in space environments, he added," the statement said. The second experiment aboard the ISS will examine how cyanobacteria like Spirulina and Synechococcus grow and respond at the proteomic level in microgravity, using both urea- and nitrate-based nutrient media, it said.
