Low Gravity Drug Stability Analyzer, Phase II

The proposed Drug Stability Analyzer is specifically being designed to monitor degradation of pharmaceutical drugs that are used by astronauts, so that drug types, formulations, and packaging can be improved, and supplies can be selected to match mission length. It will also have the capability of determining if a drug is suitable at the time of use (effective and safe). Approximately 3000 medication errors occur each year due mostly to administering incorrect drugs or doses. Pharmacies are considered the last line of defense and to minimize such errors the Drug Compounding Safety Bill will soon become law. The Drug Stability Analyzer will have great value to pharmacies with its ability to confirm drug identity and dosage in 10 seconds as it is given to the customer. The analyzer will also have great value in its ability to identify counterfeit (fake) drugs. According to the World Health Organization, ~10% of all drugs sold worldwide are counterfeit (largely through the internet), and have resulted in 200,000 deaths per year. Many of the drugs sold in the US are manufactured oversees, and in recent years the standard supply chains have also been compromised. More »