Axol Bioscience has acquired the ophthalmology business of Newcells Biotech in a deal that broadens its range of induced pluripotent stem cell‑derived retinal models and reinforces its position in preclinical eye disease research.
Announced in Cambridge and Newcastle on 18 February 2026, the acquisition brings Axol a specialist team, facilities and intellectual property covering proprietary iPSC‑derived products and ophthalmology research services supplied to biopharma, biotechnology and CRO customers in Europe and the United States. The platforms, developed over more than a decade, include advanced retinal organoids and 2D retinal pigment epithelium models designed to support preclinical and translational drug development.
The move builds on Axol’s expansion into ophthalmology following its acquisition of Phenocell in October 2024, reflecting growing investment in research into conditions such as age‑related macular degeneration, glaucoma and rare diseases.
The company said the addition of Newcells’ ophthalmology business 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.
The announcement follows Axol’s recent $2.8 million financing led by BroadOak Capital Partners, which is supporting expansion of its US commercial operations, product development and manufacturing scale‑up.
Liam Taylor, CEO of Axol Bioscience, said: “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, explained: “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.”
