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Active TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 4)
Exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit will experience significant challenges in crew medical care. Among these challenges are limited or no resupply missions to replenish medication inventory. Ensuring medication safety and efficacy will buy down medical risk. For anticipated medications planned for inclusion in future exploration medical systems, the time from packaging to use will exceed manufacturer-reported shelf-life. This poses a risk that medications may be ineffective when used.
This project effort included a literature review, development of a concept of operations for a Mars formulary, a plan for ground and/or flight testing, and investigation into current shelf-life extension of medications of interest.
The outcome of the pharmacy shelf-life effort will inform medical system contents and packaging techniques. Ensuring medication efficacy beyond expiration dates and shielding technologies will buy down medical risk for future exploration missions. This work will enable safe and effective selection of medications for operational infusion in long duration Artemis and Mars missions.
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