Plans underway to test glucose monitoring, insulin technologies on Ax-4 mission

HOUSTON, April 24, 2024 — Axiom Space, the leading provider of human spaceflight services, and Burjeel Holdings PLC, a leading super-specialty healthcare provider in the MENA region, are proud to announce a groundbreaking mission focused on diabetes management in microgravity.

The “Suite Ride” initiative will be conducted as part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), scheduled to launch in May 2025. Through this initiative, Axiom Space and Burjeel Holdings will be flying and operating a suite of medical capabilities to further advancements in diabetes monitoring and treatment.

The effort marks a significant milestone in the long-term goal of supporting future astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), a condition historically deemed disqualifying for spaceflight. Axiom Space’s multi-tiered approach aims to eventually demonstrate that astronauts with IDDM can be safely monitored, treated, and participate in off-planet missions. A pivotal moment in this research was the successful technical demonstration conducted on Galactic 07, which confirmed that commercially available insulin pens can deliver medication effectively in microgravity, adhering to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) guidelines. These promising results have laid the foundation for the upcoming Ax-4 mission.

The Ax-4 mission will utilize Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), which have become the standard for glucose monitoring in individuals with diabetes. These devices will be tested to ensure their accuracy in microgravity, providing real-time data that will ultimately support the health of astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes. The comprehensive preflight, inflight, and postflight protocols will employ various testing methods to validate these technologies. The Ax-4 mission also plans to look at insulin exposure in microgravity to assess the potency and stability of the drug product upon its return to Earth.

Testing the behavior of CGMs and insulin delivery technologies in microgravity and with circadian rhythm disruption is expected to advance the understanding of how such innovations can improve diabetes monitoring and care in remote or underserved areas on Earth. Experts say this research will lay the groundwork for managing diabetes in isolated locations, such as oil rigs, deserts, or rural regions.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), by 2045, 1 in 8 adults—approximately 783 million people—will be living with diabetes, marking a 46% increase. In the North America and Caribbean region, the number of people living with diabetes is expected to rise by 24%, while in the MENA region, it is projected to increase by 87%, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions.

This collaborative effort between Axiom Space and Burjeel Holdings is very exciting and will advance Axiom Space’s goal of making space accessible for all. The technologies and advances that could result from this project could also improve our ability to provide remote care for patients with diabetes and other health conditions on Earth. I am grateful for the commitment and dedication of our crew, our partners, and the entire team.

Our collaboration with Axiom Space on diabetes management in microgravity highlights our commitment to enhancing remote healthcare capabilities. For us, space is a proving ground, as this diabetes research aims to provide invaluable data that will directly benefit underserved communities and difficult-to-reach areas across the globe, especially in MENA. By leveraging the advancements in monitoring and treatment technologies, we are poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery, ensuring that individuals in remote locations receive the quality care they deserve, no matter where they are.

Looking ahead, Axiom Space is committed to conducting future studies that will pave the way for the eventual flight of an astronaut with IDDM. The successful demonstration of glucose monitoring on subjects without diabetes will next open the door to flying astronauts with non-insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes, looking to prove that people with diabetes can one day thrive in the unique environment of space.

This initiative aligns with Axiom Space’s dedication to advancing healthcare and enhancing the lives of individuals both on Earth and in space. By leveraging the latest technologies and fostering collaboration, Axiom Space and Burjeel Holdings are pushing the boundaries of chronic disease management both on and off the planet. The Suite Ride initiative hopes to inspire millions around the world and usher in a new space age of medical advancements.

For more information on this initiative and to follow the progress of the Ax-4 mission, click here.

Axiom Space, Burjeel Partner to Lead Diabetes Research in Space