BANGKOK, 20 June 2019 (NNT) – The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) will send protein into space to generate crystallization for development of anti-malaria drugs under the cooperation of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Technology.
The GISTDA has cooperated with the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Technology and JAXA to send protein from Thailand into space under the Nation Space Exploration program. Mr. Ammarin Pimnoo, the project head, said that sending the protein into space is part of the experiment to grow protein crystals in space to be used as an anti-malaria drug. It is considered a major advancement in space technology in Thailand and it is the first time protein has been sent into space for this purpose.
Currently, additional equipment is being developing. The protein will be delivered to Japan in July. It will take about six weeks to grow the protein in space before it will be sent back to Thailand for the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Technology to analyze the interaction of protein and inhibitors for development of anti-malaria drugs.
