Cosmic Radiation Could Degrade Medications on Long Space Missions

New research published in Advanced Healthcare Materials highlights a significant challenge for deep space missions: cosmic radiation may rapidly degrade medications, turning them into potentially harmful substances.

Studying ibuprofen tablets aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and in laboratory simulations, scientists found that tablets stored outside the ISS experienced over 50% degradation due to exposure to cosmic radiation. The degradation isn't just a loss of potency—some medications break down into toxic compounds that could pose health risks to astronauts.

While medication degradation occurs on Earth over time (which is why products like ibuprofen have expiration dates), researchers found that in space, this process is not only faster but also more unpredictable. According to Volker Hessel, Environment Institute, Professor of sustainable chemical engineering at the University of Adelaide, and co-author of the study, “We found in space, this process is faster and ‘wilder’, meaning more degradation products and more toxic products.”

Key findings include:

• Inside the ISS: Medications in aluminum blister packs were shielded from radiation.
• Outside the ISS: Degradation was severe, leading to the formation of harmful substances like 2-propionic acid and neurotoxic 4′-isobutyl-acetophenone.
• Solutions: Iron oxide coatings and certain flavorings helped protect medications from radiation.

This research underscores the need for new drug formulations and delivery methods specifically designed for space environments, especially as missions to the Moon and Mars grow longer.

As we look ahead, the development of "space medicines" could be crucial for the health and safety of astronauts during extended deep space travel.

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