Abu Dhabi: A Malayali-owned firm in the UAE has taken a crucial step to further scientific research on how the human body reacts in microgravity and testing new technologies in space.

Burjeel Holdings, owned by health entrepreneur Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, is leading the health research mission to study the human body's response to microgravity in space. The firm has announced a medical research collaboration with Axiom Space, a global leader in human spaceflight services.

The collaboration was officially announced at a signing ceremony held at the Burjeel Institute for Global Health in New York, attended by Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, and Mr. John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings.

Axiom is a company founded with the vision of expanding the human presence in Low Earth Orbit. Astronauts at Axiom Space will use these technologies during training and launch as part of their studies.

As their first initiative, Axiom Space and Burjeel are working on sending a suite of medical capabilities to space to further science research on how the human body reacts in microgravity. The suite consists of best-in-class technologies used in hospitals and clinics around the world, including Burjeel Holdings’ flagship facility Burjeel Medical City (BMC).

What does the research focus on?

The research seeks to study how the microgravity environment affects relevant biomarkers, drug substance quality, and remote health services. Axiom Space astronaut(s) intend to wear and operate these technologies remotely throughout their training, launch, and during Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), which is scheduled to launch next spring.

"Through our groundbreaking partnership with Axiom Space, we are not only advancing the frontiers of medical innovation in microgravity, but we are also ensuring that both patients in the UAE and around the globe benefit from next-generation healthcare solutions. This collaboration aligns seamlessly and supports the UAE’s ambitious vision for space exploration. Just as we continue to reap the benefits of innovations from the space missions over 50 years ago — transforming everything from telecommunications to medical imaging — this collaboration represents a commitment to harnessing the unique environment of space to develop and enhance treatment methodologies. Ultimately, we are laying the foundation for improved patient outcomes today and for generations to come," said Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil in a media release.