Woodbridge, Conn. — LambdaVision has signed a memorandum of understanding with commercial space station developer Vast to support future research and manufacturing of its protein-based artificial retina in low-Earth orbit.
The collaboration could allow LambdaVision to conduct research and manufacturing aboard Vast’s Haven-1 and future commercial space stations, expanding the biotechnology company’s microgravity manufacturing program beyond the International Space Station.
LambdaVision has completed nine missions to the ISS to study whether microgravity can improve production of the multilayer protein films used in its artificial retina.
The company’s flexible retinal implant consists of 200 layers of protein film designed to replace the function of damaged photoreceptor cells and restore vision in patients with retinal degenerative diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration.
Although the implants can be manufactured on Earth, LambdaVision said gravity makes the process difficult to scale. Microgravity can reduce sedimentation and convection, potentially improving the uniformity, stability and performance of the films.
“Commercial space stations represent an important next step in the evolution of space-based manufacturing,” said Nicole Wagner, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of LambdaVision. “Our partnership with Vast supports LambdaVision’s long-term vision of creating a sustainable and scalable biomanufacturing platform that can benefit not only patients with retinal degenerative diseases, but also future applications across biotechnology and advanced materials.”
The agreement establishes a framework for the companies to collaborate as Vast develops Haven-1, a commercial space station intended to support scientific research, technology development and in-space manufacturing.
The companies will also work to ensure that future station infrastructure can support the research and manufacturing requirements of advanced biomedical products.
“Decades of research conducted aboard the International Space Station has served as a catalyst for scientific breakthroughs in biotechnology and life sciences, laying the foundation for a new generation of commercial innovation in microgravity,” Meg Everett, Principal Scientist of Vast. “We are collaborating with innovative companies like LambdaVision to ensure our stations provide the infrastructure, flexibility, and repeat access needed to support breakthrough research and accelerate the development of products that can improve life on Earth.”
LambdaVision and implementation partner Space Tango have developed and tested autonomous manufacturing equipment, fluidics systems, sterilization methods and quality-control processes for space-based production.
The company is also forming partnerships involving commercial space stations, free-flying manufacturing platforms and launch and return providers as it works to establish a scalable system for producing biological materials in space.
LambdaVision recently raised $7 million in a seed financing co-led by Seven Seven Six and Aurelia Foundry Fund, with participation from Seraphim Space. The company has secured about $23 million in total funding and said the latest financing provides operating capital through 2027.
