Astropharmacy: Expanding the Role of Pharmacists to Drive Sustainable Space Exploration

The purpose of this oral presentation is to examine subjects related to Astro pharmacy. It encompasses: The necessity of pharmacy in addressing health issues arising from adverse space conditions, changes in human physiology such as pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenomics, as well as exploring the potential role of pharmacists in space. What if pharmacists could prepare small amounts of medicine on-site in space as required? Pharmaceuticals are utilized to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure diseases, but they are unstable on Earth and even more unstable in the conditions of s pace. Tailoring pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic alterations and pharmacogenomics for flying and medications. It is essential to address each individual's specific needs due to issues related to drug stability. NASA has expressed its commitment to sending humans to Mars by the 2030s, marking the next major milestone after the moon landing, with plans to explore and ultimately colonize the Red Planet. Medications are essential not only for treating illnesses but also for managing emergencies like shock, trauma, and bleeding, while safeguarding astronauts' bodies against the harsh environmental conditions of space. In space, the differing storage conditions and elevated radiation levels compared to Earth raise concerns about the stability of pharmaceutical dosage forms. Along with this, human physiology undergoes changes the quality of pharmaceuticals. A complex task is performed to replenish these medical kits. Supplies including food, water, equipment, and medicines are carried by a procession of smaller shuttles and spacecraft and attached to the International Space Station in a tightly controlled sequence. In summary, Astro pharmacy highlights pharmacists' essential role in addressing space-related health challenges and underscores the dynamic interplay between altered physiology and pharmaceutical stability for future space exploration. physiology and pharmaceutical stability for future space exploration.