Varda is pioneering space-based pharmaceutical manufacturing by using specialized capsules to process drugs in microgravity, overcoming Earth’s limitations in crystal formation. The company’s capsules reenter Earth’s atmosphere at hypersonic speeds using advanced heat shields and land via parachutes after a 20-minute descent. Regulatory hurdles, such as FAA approval for landing sites, delayed Varda’s operations but were eventually resolved with military collaboration. The venture also leverages its reentry technology for hypersonic testing, offering cost-effective solutions for defense agencies. Varda’s $329 million funding round aims to expand its lab and target complex biologics markets, positioning space manufacturing as a future industry standard.
Key facts
- Varda’s capsules utilize microgravity to produce complex drug crystals, such as Form III ritonavir, which are challenging to create on Earth.
- Capsules reenter Earth’s atmosphere at Mach 25 using NASA-developed heat-resistant materials and land via parachutes after a 20-minute descent.
- The FAA initially allowed Varda’s launch without a finalized reentry license to promote commercial space activity, later approving landing sites in the U.S. and Australia.
- Varda collaborates with defense agencies to test materials and systems under hypersonic conditions, avoiding traditional test flight costs.
- The company’s Series C funding targets biologics markets, aiming to make space manufacturing cost-effective for long-term industrial applications.
