Mice in Space

Novartis is part of a space mission! Its study sends a specific strain of mice, developed at the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), to the International Space Station (ISS) on September 20.
The mice will live in microgravity during their mission, allowing scientists to learn more about muscle development and muscle atrophy. Muscle atrophy is more gradual on earth, yet every human being experiences muscle loss as they get older. Muscle atrophy also plays a deleterious role in a number of serious diseases, including cancer.

The study also marks two firsts: it’s the first time NIBR has collaborated with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), the nonprofit organization that manages the ISS National Laboratory, and it’s the first time any non-human mammals will live aboard the space station.