National Stem Cell Foundation Joins with Axiom Space and the Saudi Space Agency to Expand Study of Neurodegenerative Disease in Microgravity

Mission will investigate whether genetic ancestry and population-specific differences influence responses to therapies for Parkinson's disease, Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease

^{The extended NSCF team, including advisors and partners, Axiom Space, BioServe Space Technologies, Leo Biosciences, Confluent Horizons and Genomics Consult, celebrate from the balcony at Kennedy Space Center OSB II (Operations Support Building II) shortly after the launch of SpaceX CRS-35, with the plume still visible behind them.}

LOUISVILLE, Ky. and HOUSTON and RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF), Axiom Space, and the Saudi Space Agency today announced a collaboration that launched aboard SpaceX CRS-35 to the International Space Station (ISS) this week, expanding one of the world's longest-running studies of neurodegeneration in microgravity.

For the first time, NSCF researchers will add cells from collaborating research teams in Saudi Arabia to its study of Parkinson's disease (PD), Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (PPMS), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) on the ISS. Scientists will evaluate how disease biology and potential therapeutic responses may vary across genetically and ethnically diverse populations. Also included in this mission are cell lines from the United Kingdom derived from individuals with a mutation for early-onset AD. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) researchers contributed to the preparation and development of the Saudi samples included in the mission.

Microgravity provides a unique environment for studying cellular interactions in ways not possible on Earth. Previous NSCF studies have also demonstrated that brain organoids mature more rapidly in space, accelerating the pace of discovery and enabling researchers to observe disease-related changes that can take much longer to emerge in traditional laboratory settings. 

“Neurodegenerative diseases affect tens of millions of people worldwide, yet most research has been conducted using limited patient populations," said Paula Grisanti, CEO of the National Stem Cell Foundation. “This mission represents an important step toward understanding how diverse genetic backgrounds may influence disease progression and the effectiveness of future therapies. Our goal is to develop discoveries that benefit patients worldwide."

^{NSCF and other team members attend the pre-launch presentation on research flying on SpaceX CRS-35. The briefing was held in Kennedy Space Center’s viewing room at OSB II, with the countdown clock visible at the top of the photo.}

“We are very excited to continuing working with the NSCF team to build on results from previous missions, including the Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3),” said Dr. Pinar Mesci, NSCF Scientific Advisor and Global Head of Biomanufacturing and Biotechnology at Axiom Space. “Commercial space platforms are opening new opportunities for biomedical research that cannot be replicated on Earth, and this international collaboration demonstrates how space can serve as a laboratory for advancing human health by bringing together researchers, institutions, and nations to address some of society's most pressing medical challenges.”

The mission will include samples from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), a collaboration enabled through the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), the Saudi Space Agency and the various institutions in KSA. “This is a prime example of how commercial companies like Axiom Space and private astronaut missions can help connect scientific teams across the globe, accelerate scientific discoveries, and find novel treatments for patients here on Earth,” added Mesci.

The mission will include samples from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), a collaboration enabled through the Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), the Saudi Space Agency and the various institutions in KSA.   “This is a prime example of how commercial companies like Axiom Space and private astronaut missions can help connect scientific teams across the globe, accelerate scientific discoveries, and find novel treatments for patients here on Earth,” Mesci added.

Saudi astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi, General Supervisor of Microgravity Research at the Saudi Space Agency, stated: "The launch of these samples represents a significant milestone for National Capabilities. Through the BioGravity program, we aim to translate the knowledge gained in orbit into future therapeutic solutions."

“As KAUST expands its research into areas of high national priority, space biology is a natural step,” said Prof. Imed Gallouzi, professor of Bioscience at KAUST and the lead scientist of the Saudi program. “This mission allows our scientists to test disease models in an environment that cannot be reproduced on Earth, and it positions KAUST to contribute to discoveries that benefit patients in the Kingdom and around the world.”

The CRS-35 investigation will focus on neuroinflammation, a hallmark of PD, AD, PPMS, and many other neurodegenerative and autoimmune disorders. Researchers will compare cellular behavior, molecular pathways, and potential therapeutic responses among organoids derived from different patient populations to better understand how biological diversity may affect treatment development. NSCF's broader NASA-funded program is designed to validate advanced brain organoid models and expand the work into drug development and screening applications. 

About the National Stem Cell Foundation

The National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF) funds adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research, underwrites the National STEM Scholar Program for middle school science teachers inspiring the next generation of STEM pioneers nationwide, and covers co-pays and deductibles for children participating in clinical trials for rare diseases when those costs are beyond a family’s means. For more information, visit www.nationalstemcellfoundation.org

About Axiom Space

Axiom Space is a human space exploration company, building era-defining space infrastructure and delivering technology-driven solutions that will empower civilization to transcend Earth. Beginning with Axiom Station, successor to the International Space Station, the company is pioneering a next-generation orbital settlement that will foster groundbreaking innovation and research in microgravity and drive the global space economy of tomorrow. Today, guided by the vision of leading humanity's expansion off planet, Axiom Space is the principal provider of commercial human spaceflight services and developer of advanced spacesuits for the Moon and beyond. For more information about Axiom Space, visit www.axiomspace.com.

About the Saudi Space Agency

The Saudi Space Agency advances the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s national space strategy through scientific research, international collaboration, innovation and the development of space technologies that benefit humanity. It plays a huge role as a key enabler for the National BioGravity Program, visit www.ssa.gov.sa.

About King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

KAUST, Saudi Arabia’s leading science and technology research university, unites the best minds in a culture of invention, providing a catalyst for the discoveries, innovations and technologies that will shape tomorrow for the good of KSA and the world. KAUST is on a journey to create a new model of university for the 21st century, based on global partnerships, research, and invention. KAUST attracts and offers unique opportunities to world leading academic and research talent truly allowing them to innovate.

KAUST plays an active role in accelerating impact and innovation in the areas of Health and Wellness, Energy and Industrial Leadership, Sustainable Environment and Supply of Essential Needs and Economies of the Future under Vision 2030 and the Research, Development, and Innovation Ecosystem (RDI), visit www.kaust.edu.sa.

Media Contacts

National Stem Cell Foundation
media@nationalstemcellfoundation.org

Axiom Space
media@axiomspace.com

Saudi Space Agency
biogravity@ssa.gov.sa

KAUST
Abdullah Al Sobahi, Director, Strategic Communications +966(0) 54 027 2550
abdullah.alsobahi@kaust.edu.sa

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at 

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