[Space BD Co., Ltd.] Completed the launch of protein experimental samples to the ISS in order to realize an AI drug discovery model through joint research with INTAGE Healthcare
Space BD Co., Ltd. Press release: November 7, 2024 Completed the launch of protein experimental samples to the ISS to realize an AI drug discovery model through joint research with INTAGE Healthcare Launched on November 5th, carrying experimental samples conducted by students of Gakushuin High School and Women’s High School Space BD Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Masatoshi Nagasaki; hereinafter referred to as “Space BD”), which provides comprehensive services in the space industry, is a Japanese experimental module located on the
International Space Station (ISS). In the life science business utilizing “Intage Healthcare”, we are collaborating with INTAGE Healthcare Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Keita Murai, hereinafter referred to as “INTAGE Healthcare”) to develop samples and materials for the realization of AI drug discovery. Experimental samples conducted by high school students from Gakushuin High School and Women’s High School will be loaded onto the Dragon supply ship as NASA 31st Commercial Resupply Service mission (SpX-31) operated by SpaceX on November 5, 2024 (Tuesday) 11 We would like to inform you that the flight was launched by the “Falcon 9” rocket at 29:00 (Japan Standard Time).
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/50164/113/50164-113-e529d64b7497dbe8936d4f7a511b8ad5-3900×2791.jpg Right: Filling the onboard sample at NASA Kennedy Space Center (middle: Space BD employee) Space BD has supported five launches in the life sciences business so far, and the total number of samples launched is approximately 480 or more for JAXA’s academic public applications and 37 samples for paid use commissioned by Space BD. ■About space experiments x AI drug discovery initiatives Space BD entered into a joint research agreement with INTAGE Healthcare in 2022, and has been working on an unprecedented “AI drug discovery x space experiment” initiative in the world. By utilizing the
microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS), it is possible to generate high-quality protein crystals that cannot be obtained through ground-based experiments and obtain detailed structural information. This project will develop compound
optimization technology by combining precise structural information obtained through space experiments with AI drug discovery technology, which is attracting attention around the world. This is expected to greatly contribute to improving the accuracy of AI drug discovery models. Our goal is to expand the possibilities of space experiments by encouraging participation in drug discovery research using space experiments and contributing to the efficiency of development costs and time in drug discovery research.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/50164/113/50164-113-a4aa6a548b9d0ac99b605e040e9eed0e-586×415.png ■About initiatives with Gakushuin High School and Women’s High School As one of the cooperation contents of the industry-academia
collaboration agreement concluded between Gakushuin University and Space BD in March 2022, a project for students in the high school and women’s high school courses, “Protein Crystal Workshop” was held in August 2024. At the workshop, 20 high school students conducted crystallization experiments. After the sample returns, we plan to conduct an experiment to compare the sample tested on the ground with the sample tested in the space environment. ■ About Space BD Co., Ltd. Space BD is a “space trading company(R)” that aims to develop Japan’s space business into a world-class industry. Since our founding in 2017, we have provided a variety of means of transportation to space, as well as providing one-stop services for the utilization of outer space, including the International Space Station (ISS), from business plan consideration to technical operational support from our engineering department. is provided. Based on sales and business development capabilities based on technological capabilities, members with diverse career backgrounds are developing businesses in the fields of public and private commercialization support and business transformation using space, education, etc. As of November 2024, we have a track record of more than 500 deliveries to outer space, including approximately 80 satellites. Company name: Space BD Co., Ltd. Head office: 7th floor, Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower, 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Representative: Masatoshi Nagasaki, Representative Director and President Established: September 1, 2017 Business content: Various service businesses and education businesses in space U R L： https://space-bd.com/