Thu, 19 Feb 2026 | DIVISION SALE
Axol Bioscience, a Cambridge-based biotech that specialises in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies, has taken on the ophthalmology business of Newcells Biotech, a Newcastle-based drug discovery partner.
The acquisition includes the business’ specialist team, facilities and intellectual property. The division’s IP relates to the supply of proprietary iPSC-derived products and ophthalmology research services to biopharma, biotechnology and CRO customers across Europe and the US.
Involving more than a decade of development, these platforms encompass advanced retinal organoids and 2D retinal pigment epithelium models, which are designed to support preclinical research and translational drug development.
The acquisition marks Axol Bioscience’s first since its initial expansion into ophthalmology with the takeover of Phenocell in October 2024. The latest deal also follows the firm’s recent £2.1 million fundraising.
The fundraising, led by US life sciences investor BroadOak Capital Partners, aims to support the expansion of Axol Bioscience’s US commercial operations, product development and manufacturing scale-up.
Liam Taylor, Chief Executive of Axol Bioscience, commented: "Following our recent financing and continued strong revenue growth, we are executing on a clear strategy to scale Axol internationally and deepen our scientific capabilities.”
"The addition of Newcells' retinal organoid business is our third acquisition in five years and significantly enhances our ophthalmology offering, combining complementary expertise and intellectual property to create the most comprehensive independent portfolio of iPSC-derived retinal models globally."
Florian Regent, Head of Ophthalmology at Axol Bioscience, said: "Newcells has developed a highly sophisticated and scalable retinal organoid platform focused on predictive, human-relevant iPSC-derived retinal models that are recognised across the industry.”
"Integrating this capability with Axol's existing ophthalmology portfolio enables us to offer a broader, more physiologically relevant toolkit to support research. As drug developers increasingly seek predictive human models to de-risk programmes earlier, this acquisition further positions Axol at the forefront of ophthalmology drug discovery and safety testing."
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