Redwire debuts new subsidiary SpaceMD focused on in-space pharmaceutical research. Photo: Redwire

Redwire is crystalizing its ambitions for space medicine with a new subsidiary, SpaceMD. The new venture will focus on Redwire’s work to grow seed crystals in orbit for pharmaceutical development — specifically Redwire’s Pharmaceutical In-Space Laboratory (PIL-BOX) technology. 

Redwire has flown 28 PIL-BOX systems in space, crystalizing 17 compounds on the International Space Station (ISS) including insulin. Earlier this year, Redwire launched a version to the ISS with the ability to process higher volumes of samples. 

SpaceMD will sell and license these seed crystals. Redwire CEO Peter Cannito said SpaceMD is moves PIL-BOX strategy “from experimentation to full commercialization with significant upstream revenue potential.” 

In addition, SpaceMD announced a new licensing agreement with pharmaceutical company ExesaLibero Pharma, for its small-molecule drug ELP-004. SpaceMD will host ExesaLibero Pharma microgravity investigations on the PIL-BOX and SpaceMD will receive royalties from any commercial sales of resulting pharmaceutical products. The drug has the potential to treat bone erosion caused by diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple myeloma.