Redwire awarded contract for space-based cancer research

JACKSONVILLE - Redwire Corporation (NYSE:RDW), a $1.07 billion market cap space infrastructure company that has seen its stock surge 176% over the past year, has secured a contract to support Aspera Biomedicines in conducting space-based research for a new cancer treatment. According to InvestingPro data, the company appears undervalued based on its Fair Value analysis. The research will utilize Redwire’s Pharmaceutical In-space Laboratory (PIL-BOX) technology to advance the development of rebecsinib, a cancer therapy targeting stem cells.

Rebecsinib, an ADAR1 inhibitor, has been granted approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to begin first-in-human trials. ADAR1 protein overexpression in cancer stem cells has been linked to the progression of certain cancers. Aspera’s previous experiments in space indicated that rebecsinib could inhibit ADAR1, potentially acting as a "cancer kill switch."

The upcoming mission will enable Aspera researchers to study the crystal structure of the ADAR1p150 protein in the presence and absence of rebecsinib, which could lead to the development of new drug formulations and a wider range of ADAR1 inhibitors. With annual revenue of $277.7 million and analysts projecting both sales growth and profitability this year, Redwire continues to expand its space-based research capabilities.

John Vellinger, President of In-Space Industries at Redwire, expressed enthusiasm about supporting Aspera’s innovative treatment, which may significantly impact the global fight against cancer. The PIL-BOX technology has been instrumental in pharmaceutical research, with 28 units already processed in space, contributing to insights for diseases like cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.

Aspera co-founder Catriona Jamieson highlighted the partnership with NASA, CASIS, and Redwire in utilizing microgravity to enhance protein crystallization, which is crucial for developing ADAR1 inhibitors. This collaboration is part of a NASA In Space Phase 2 biomanufacturing grant.

The Aspera cancer treatment investigation is scheduled for a space mission launch later this year. Both Redwire and Aspera are leveraging their expertise and innovative approaches to further medical research in the unique environment of space, with the potential to improve cancer treatment outcomes.

This development is based on a press release statement from Redwire Corporation. For investors seeking deeper insights, InvestingPro offers 12 additional investment tips and a comprehensive Pro Research Report, part of its coverage of over 1,400 US stocks. The platform provides detailed analysis of Redwire’s financial health, valuation metrics, and growth prospects to help inform investment decisions.

In other recent news, Redwire Corporation reported its first-quarter 2025 earnings, highlighting a significant improvement in earnings per share (EPS) which came in at -$0.09, surpassing analysts’ expectations of -$0.24. However, the company’s revenue fell short, totaling $61.39 million against a forecast of $75.85 million. The company also announced a contract win to supply avionics technology for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Next Generation Gravity Mission satellites, marking a continued partnership with NASA to monitor Earth’s gravitational changes. Additionally, Redwire successfully delivered the onboard computer for ESA’s Comet Interceptor mission, reinforcing its role in high-profile space missions. The company secured shareholder approval for several key proposals at its annual meeting, including the election of directors and the ratification of KPMG LLP as its independent auditor. Redwire’s liquidity position improved by 39.2% from the end of last year, reaching $89.2 million. The company continues to support various ESA programs and has announced multiple new contracts and strategic partnerships. These developments underscore Redwire’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its market position in the space and defense sectors.

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