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Imagine, the treatment of a serious disease like cancer, which required one to sit in the hospital for hours, can now be done in just a few minutes. This is not the story of any science fiction film, but a real scientific breakthrough in space. A special experiment conducted on the International Space Station ISS has opened the way for such a medicine, which has made cancer treatment easier, faster and less painful for the patients. The question is, will this treatment really prove to be a game changer? Let us understand.

What major discovery was made on the space station?

Scientific research conducted on the International Space Station i.e. ISS has achieved great achievements in the field of cancer treatment. A joint team of NASA and American pharmaceutical company Merck conducted an in-depth study on protein crystal growth in space. The objective of this research was to make a major cancer drug more effective and easier for patients. Scientists found that in an environment of microgravity, the proteins associated with the drug form much better quality crystals.

Which medicine is it and why is it special?

This new treatment is a modified form of Merck’s famous immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab. This medicine helps in attacking cancer cells by strengthening the body’s immune system. It is already being used in melanoma, lung cancer and some other types of cancer. In September 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration approved its new subcutaneous injection, which makes it a major change in the treatment method.

How was the treatment done earlier?

Till now this medicine was given through infusion i.e. drip in the patient’s vein. For this the patient had to spend a long time in the hospital or clinic. Initially this process used to last about two hours, which was later reduced to about 30 minutes. Still, going to the hospital, waiting and bearing the expenses every time remained a challenge for the patients.

Now what has changed in the new way?

Under the new technology, the medicine can be given as a subcutaneous injection under the skin. The entire process takes just 1 to 2 minutes and is done once every three weeks. This saves patients time, reduces hospital expenses and makes the treatment experience much more comfortable. Doctors believe that this will clearly improve the quality of life of the patients.

How did space research make treatment easier?

Due to gravity on Earth, many problems arise while making protein crystals. Crystals become small, crooked, or uneven, making it difficult to fully understand the structure of the drug. But due to microgravity in space, the crystals become larger, more uniform and more pure. This helped scientists understand the exact structure of the drug molecules and made it suitable for injection.

How long was this research going on?

Merck company has been conducting such experiments on ISS since 2014. By growing monoclonal antibodies in crystal space, they understood what could be the best shape and structure of drug particles. This entire work was done in collaboration with the ISS National Laboratory, where NASA provides a platform for research to private companies and researchers.

Why is this big news for common people?

NASA says that the purpose of research done in space is not only to improve the health of astronauts but also to improve the lives of people living on earth. This new injection is a living example of this. This treatment is a new ray of hope for cancer patients and many more new medicines can emerge from space research in the future.

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