Polaris Dawn Crew Uses Trajan's Microsampling Devices to Aid Research on Drug Effects in Space

Melbourne, AUSTRALIA, September 11, 2024 — Neoteryx, a brand of Trajan Scientific and Medical, has supplied Mitra^® microsampling devices to the Polaris Program for a pivotal study during the Polaris Dawn mission, launched on September 10, 2024. This research aims to explore how pharmaceuticals behave in space, where the unique environment of microgravity could alter drug efficacy, dosage requirements, or side effects. The blood samples collected inflight by the Polaris Dawn crew using the Mitra^® devices will provide invaluable insights into these potential changes, helping to ensure the safe and effective use of medications for astronauts and civilians during future space flight.
In this study led by Dr. Jonathan Donehoo, the focus is on analyzing dried blood microsamples collected via Mitra devices to understand how the human body metabolizes paracetamol (acetaminophen) while in space.

Trajan Scientific and Medical is proud to support this groundbreaking research by equipping the Polaris Dawn crew with the Mitra devices. The crew is taking three 500 mg doses of paracetamol at key stages: before launch, during the mission, and post-flight.

Following each dose, the crew will use the Mitra devices and a lancet to self-collect blood samples from their forearm or finger at various intervals. The data gathered will be critical in refining the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceutical treatments for future space travelers.

About Neoteryx

Neoteryx is a brand of Trajan Scientific and Medical, providing scientifically precise remote specimen collection and microsampling technologies. To support its vision of enabling science that benefits people and improves wellbeing, the microsampling team at Trajan innovates and develops quantitative microsampling technologies that are easy to use and amenable to manual and automated analysis in the lab. Neoteryx microsampling technologies ease workflows and enable decentralized research and healthcare models. Our product portfolio includes the Mitra® device based on VAMS® technology, the hemaPEN® that advances both capillary and DBS technologies, and more microsampling products on the way. For information about microsampling, visit www.neoteryx.com. For information about Trajan’s other brands and services, visit www.trajanscimed.com.

About Polaris Dawn

Polaris Dawn is the first of the Polaris Program’s three human spaceflight missions. SpaceX is targeting no earlier than March 2023 for Falcon 9’s launch of the Dragon spacecraft and the Polaris Dawn crew from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Polaris Dawn endeavors to reach the highest Earth orbit ever flown, attempt the first-ever commercial spacewalk, conduct extensive research to further our understanding of human health on Earth and during future long-duration spaceflights, and test Starlink’s laser-based communications in space. For more information, visit polarisprogram.com/dawn/

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Neoteryx/Trajan Media Contact:

Amy Miller, WE Communications

+61 431 072 422, amymi@we-worldwide.com 

Polaris Program Media Contact:

Sarah Grover, Polaris Program Communications Director

sgrover@polarisprogram.com