Auragens, an international regenerative medicine and research institute, today announced that its research paper, “Molecular Dynamics Simulation of SOD3 and CXCR4 Proteins in Engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Radiation Countermeasure Therapeutics,” has been formally accepted for presentation at the 2027 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) SciTech Forum, taking place January 11–15, 2027, in Orlando, Florida.

The paper, authored by Dr. James Utley, Dr. Dan Briggs, and Cade Butera of the Auragens Research Institute in Panama City, Panama, will be presented by Dr. Utley during an in-person technical session on January 11, 2027.

The AIAA SciTech Forum is a major international gathering of aerospace researchers, engineers, scientists, and industry leaders. Its broader aerospace community includes organizations such as NASA, SpaceX, Boeing, Blue Origin, and Axiom Space, among others.

The acceptance represents an important milestone for Auragens, bringing its regenerative medicine research into a scientific forum dedicated to advancing aerospace technologies and addressing the challenges of human space exploration.

Exploring Cellular Biology as a Potential Defense Against Space Radiation

Among the most significant biological challenges associated with long-duration spaceflight is exposure to space radiation, which can damage cellular structures, disrupt normal biological processes, and increase long-term health risks.

Auragens’ accepted research investigates the molecular dynamics of two proteins, SOD3 and CXCR4, in the context of engineered mesenchymal stem cells and their potential relevance to radiation countermeasure development.

SOD3, or extracellular superoxide dismutase, is associated with antioxidant defense mechanisms that help regulate oxidative stress. CXCR4 is a receptor involved in cellular signaling, migration, and responses to tissue injury.

By studying the molecular behavior of these proteins through computational simulation, the research seeks to contribute to a better understanding of biological mechanisms that may be relevant to future radiation countermeasure strategies.

The work represents an early-stage computational research approach, rather than evidence of an established radiation treatment or demonstrated clinical protection.

“As humanity looks toward longer missions beyond Earth, protecting human health becomes one of the most important scientific challenges we face,” said Dr. Dan Briggs, President and Chief Executive Officer of Auragens and a co-author of the paper.

“Space exploration has always required extraordinary advances in engineering. We believe the biological sciences deserve an equally important place in that conversation. Our research is an effort to explore how regenerative medicine and molecular biology may contribute to solutions that will be necessary for the future of human spaceflight.”

Bringing Regenerative Medicine Into the Aerospace Scientific Community

The AIAA SciTech Forum brings together expertise across aerospace engineering, computational science, advanced materials, human systems, and emerging technologies.

Auragens’ presentation will take place within the Forum’s technical program under the session Other Modeling and Simulation Topics, reflecting the computational methodology underlying the research.

The presentation is scheduled for January 11, 2027, during the afternoon technical session.

Dr. James Utley, Chief Scientific Officer of the Auragens research team and the paper’s designated presenting author, will deliver the presentation and participate in scientific discussion with attendees.

For Auragens, the acceptance provides an opportunity to engage with researchers from disciplines extending well beyond conventional regenerative medicine.

“One of the most exciting aspects of this work is the opportunity to connect fields that have historically operated independently,” Dr. James Utley stated.

“The challenges of human spaceflight demand collaboration among engineers, physicians, biologists, and researchers. We see tremendous value in contributing our expertise in cellular biology while learning from the aerospace community.”

Implications Beyond Space Exploration

Although the research is focused on potential applications involving radiation exposure, the underlying biological mechanisms may also be relevant to scientific questions on Earth.

Oxidative stress, cellular injury, inflammatory signaling, and tissue repair are subjects of ongoing investigation across multiple medical disciplines.

Understanding these processes at the molecular level could help inform future research into cellular resilience, tissue protection, and regenerative therapeutic development.

Auragens emphasizes that translating computational findings into practical therapies requires additional laboratory investigation, preclinical validation, and appropriate clinical studies.

A Commitment to Responsible Scientific Advancement

Auragens operates an integrated regenerative medicine platform with AABB-accredited cellular therapy operations in Panama City, Panama.

The institute’s scientific work spans cellular manufacturing, quality systems, regenerative biology, and the investigation of emerging therapeutic applications.

The AIAA acceptance further reflects the organization’s commitment to contributing to scientific dialogue through research, transparency, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

“At Auragens, we believe that advancing medicine carries a responsibility greater than developing new treatments,” Briggs said.

“It requires asking difficult questions, testing our assumptions, collaborating with others, and allowing evidence to guide our progress. Being invited to share our work with the AIAA scientific community is an opportunity we value deeply, and one we hope will lead to meaningful scientific exchange.”

About Auragens – Auragens is a complete regenerative medicine platform specializing in the field of stem cell treatments, research, and development. Auragens operates their own FDA Registered laboratory onsite and are AABB Accredited, ISO certified, and follow all cGMP guidelines and FDA related regulations for safety. Treatments are provided at their private state-of-the-art facility in Panama City, Panama and spans the entire 48th floor of a Class A office building in the Beverly Hills of Panama City, known as Punta Pacifica. All science and medicine is overseen by a team of doctors hailing from universities such as Johns Hopkins, Stanford and Notre Dame among others. Published in numerous journals, two-time recipient of Stem Cell Treatment Center of the Year, as well as, Medical Researcher of the Year and Business of the Year, Auragens is leading in cutting edge Regenerative Medicine with a goal of making their treatments a Standard of Care and available to all in need.

For more information: www.auragens.com

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