The Other World Lab

The Other World Lab (TOWL) is a next-generation preclinical Contract Research Organisation (CRO) specialised in solving the fundamental structural and developability problems that prevent complex biologics from reaching the clinic. TOWL combines microgravity crystallisation, macromolecular structural biology, computational developability modelling, and advanced formulation science to unlock high-value proteins and enzyme replacement therapies (ERTs) that fail under traditional terrestrial conditions.

Biologic drug pipelines are expanding rapidly, yet more than 70% of candidates fail before IND due to instability, aggregation, multimeric misfolding or subcutaneous (SC) delivery challenges—not because of inadequate biology. Microgravity provides a unique physical environment that produces superior crystals, stabilises multimeric proteins, reveals aggregation mechanisms, and enables structural and formulation strategies impossible to access on Earth alone.

TOWL operates an integrated scientific ecosystem with FFUL (University of Lisbon) for expression, purification and early formulation; the University of Southampton for crystallography and Diamond Light Source access; and Ice Cubes and JAMSS for ISS mission design and execution. Together, this consortium delivers comprehensive, execution-ready programmes from discovery through Pre-IND and Orphan Drug Designation (ODD).

The company runs a project-based CRO model while simultaneously developing internal pipeline assets, starting with SC-Formulation , a first-in-class human enzyme therapy. TOWL has already designed a full 50-month programme, including two ISS missions, ground optimisation, structural refinement, formulation development and non-GLP preclinical studies.

TOWL’s mission is to become the leading global CRO for complex biologics, turning microgravity into a reliable engine for rescuing, derisking and accelerating breakthrough therapeutics for rare diseases.