Story perspectives

Varda and United Therapeutics Partner on Microgravity Drug Development

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Varda Space Industries and United Therapeutics signed an agreement on May 13, 2026 to develop microgravity drugs.
United Therapeutics will fund Varda to find crystal forms of pulmonary-disease drugs for stability.
Varda will use its W-6 capsule, launched March 2026, to return payloads on dedicated missions without astronauts.
Varda raised $187 million in a 2025 Series C and secured a $48 million Air Force Research Laboratory contract in 2024 for hypersonic data.

1 of 1

Story summary

Varda Space Industries and United Therapeutics signed an agreement on May 13, 2026 to develop microgravity drugs.
United Therapeutics will fund Varda to find crystal forms of pulmonary-disease drugs for stability.
Varda will use its W-6 capsule, launched March 2026, to return payloads on dedicated missions without astronauts.
Varda raised $187 million in a 2025 Series C and secured a $48 million Air Force Research Laboratory contract in 2024 for hypersonic data.