Axol Bioscience Ltd. (Axol), a leading provider of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies for drug discovery and research, has announced the acquisition of the ophthalmology business of Newcells Biotech, a specialist drug discovery partner known for its in vitro models and bespoke assay services.
Through this acquisition, Axol strengthens its scientific capabilities and expands its footprint in ophthalmology-focused drug development.
Expanding Expertise in Retinal Research
The deal includes Newcells’ specialist team, research facilities, and intellectual property related to proprietary iPSC-derived products and ophthalmology research services. These services support biopharma, biotechnology, and CRO customers across Europe and the United States.
Over more than a decade, Newcells developed advanced platforms, including retinal organoids and 2D retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) models. Researchers use these systems to support preclinical research and translational drug development, particularly in retinal disease modelling and safety testing.
By integrating these capabilities, Axol significantly broadens its portfolio of human-relevant, predictive in vitro models.
Strategic Growth in a High-Investment Therapeutic Area
Growing global investment in therapies for eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and rare ophthalmic conditions has accelerated innovation in this space. Consequently, Axol has pursued a deliberate expansion strategy.
In October 2024, the company acquired Phenocell to enter the ophthalmology segment. Now, by adding Newcells’ ophthalmology business, Axol further consolidates its position as a leading independent provider of iPSC-derived in vitro models for ophthalmology drug discovery, gene therapy development, and retinal safety and toxicity studies.
Backed by Recent Financing
This acquisition follows Axol’s recent $2.8 million financing round, led by US life sciences investor BroadOak Capital Partners. The funding supports the expansion of Axol’s US commercial operations, product development initiatives, and manufacturing scale-up.
Therefore, the company continues to align its financial growth with strategic scientific expansion.
Leadership Perspective on the Acquisition
As per the press release, Liam Taylor, CEO of Axol Bioscience, emphasised that the company is executing a clear international growth strategy. Following strong revenue growth and recent financing, Axol aims to scale globally while deepening its scientific capabilities.
He noted that the addition of Newcells’ retinal organoid platform marks the company’s third acquisition in five years. Moreover, it enhances Axol’s ophthalmology offering by combining complementary expertise and intellectual property. As a result, Axol now offers one of the most comprehensive independent portfolios of iPSC-derived retinal models worldwide.
Florian Regent, Head of Ophthalmology at Axol Bioscience, highlighted the scientific value of the integration. He explained that Newcells developed a highly sophisticated and scalable retinal organoid platform focused on predictive, human-relevant iPSC-derived models widely recognised across the industry.
By integrating this platform with Axol’s existing ophthalmology portfolio, the company can now provide a broader and more physiologically relevant research toolkit. Furthermore, as drug developers increasingly seek predictive human models to reduce risk earlier in development, this acquisition positions Axol at the forefront of ophthalmology drug discovery and safety testing.
Strengthening Leadership in iPSC-Derived Models
Overall, this acquisition reinforces Axol’s leadership in the rapidly evolving field of iPSC-derived in vitro models. By combining advanced retinal technologies, financial backing, and strategic expansion, the company continues to drive innovation in ophthalmology drug discovery and translational research.