Axol Bioscience, a provider of induced pluripotent stem cell technologies for drug discovery and research, announced it has acquired Newcells Biotech’s ophthalmology business. The transaction expands Axol’s portfolio of iPSC-derived retinal organoid and retinal pigment epithelium models and strengthens its position as an independent provider of physiologically relevant in vitro retinal models for ophthalmology drug discovery and safety testing.
The acquisition includes Newcells’ specialist team, facilities, and intellectual property related to the supply of proprietary iPSC-derived products and ophthalmology research services. These services support biopharma, biotechnolog,y and CRO customers across Europe and the United States. Developed over more than a decade, the platforms include advanced retinal organoids and two-dimensional retinal pigment epithelium models designed to support preclinical research and translational drug development.
Rising investment in research to develop new therapeutics for eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and rare diseases has driven Axol’s strategic expansion into ophthalmology, including its acquisition of Phenocell in October 2024. The addition of Newcells’ ophthalmology business further enhances Axol’s capabilities in ophthalmology drug discovery, gene therapy development, and retinal safety and toxicity studies.
KEY QUOTES:
“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.”
Liam Taylor, CEO of Axol Bioscience
“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”
Florian Regent, Head of Ophthalmology, Axol Bioscience
