Acquisition strengthens ophthalmology portfolio

Axol Bioscience, a leading provider of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies, has acquired the ophthalmology business of Newcells Biotech, a specialist in in vitro retinal models and bespoke assay services. The deal brings Newcells’ expert team, facilities, and proprietary iPSC-derived retinal organoid and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) platforms under Axol’s roof, expanding its portfolio for ophthalmology research, gene therapy development, and retinal safety studies.

This move follows Axol’s 2024 acquisition of Phenocell and its recent $2.8 million financing led by US investor BroadOak Capital Partners, reflecting the company’s strategy to scale internationally and deepen scientific capabilities.

“Integrating Newcells’ sophisticated retinal organoid platform enhances Axol’s offering, creating the most comprehensive independent portfolio of iPSC-derived retinal models globally,” said Liam Taylor, CEO of Axol Bioscience. “As drug developers increasingly demand human-relevant models to de-risk programs earlier, this acquisition positions Axol at the forefront of ophthalmology drug discovery and safety testing.”

Florian Regent, Head of Ophthalmology at Axol, added: “Newcells’ platforms are highly predictive and scalable, complementing our existing expertise. Together, we can provide researchers with a broader, more physiologically relevant toolkit to accelerate discovery and improve clinical translation.”

The acquisition reinforces Axol’s international expansion and commitment to supplying physiologically relevant human in vitro models, supporting pharmaceutical and biotech partners across Europe and the US.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

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