Partnership targets cold-chain bottlenecks by combining hydrogel preservation with human-relevant organoid platforms.
Atelerix, a UK-based biotech focused on non-cryogenic cell preservation, has entered into an agreement with French organoid and organ-on-chip specialist Cherry Biotech. The partnership aims to integrate Atelerix’s hydrogel-based biosample transport technology with Cherry Biotech’s advanced 3D organoid models to address long-standing challenges in the global shipment of temperature-sensitive biological materials.
The collaboration, announced last week, centers on enabling extended-duration, ambient or controlled-temperature transport of organoids without reliance on conventional cold-chain logistics. By reducing dependence on dry ice and cryogenic shipping, the companies aim to improve reliability, cost and accessibility for preclinical researchers worldwide.
Under the initial agreement, Atelerix and Cherry Biotech will undertake a 12-month trial period to validate both technical performance and strategic fit. This phase is intended to establish the foundations for a scalable, long-term commercial partnership that could support wider adoption of human-relevant, assay-ready preclinical models.
The collaboration builds on earlier testing in which Cherry Biotech evaluated Atelerix’s patented hydrogel encapsulation technology across multiple organ models.
According to the companies, these tests demonstrated preservation of membrane integrity and biological function during transport at ambient or controlled temperatures, key benchmarks for maintaining organoid viability and reproducibility.
For the biotech sector, where variability in sample handling can compromise experimental outcomes, these results point to a potential shift in how complex biological models are distributed globally.
Cherry Biotech’s product portfolio combines AI-driven analysis, high-resolution live imaging and tightly controlled organoid culture systems designed to better predict drug efficacy and safety. These platforms are used by pharmaceutical companies and academic researchers seeking alternatives to animal models that more closely reflect human biology.
As part of the partnership, Atelerix’s preservation technology will also be validated for the shipment of Cherry Biotech’s recently launched organoidPlate. The multiwell plate contains ready-to-use organoids representing adipose tissue, breast cancer, liver and lung models, and is already available for worldwide distribution.
By enabling stable, non-cryogenic transport of these complex models, the companies aim to lower logistical barriers for laboratories that lack specialized cold-chain infrastructure, particularly in emerging research markets.
Cold-chain logistics remain a significant cost and sustainability challenge for the life sciences industry. Cryogenic shipping not only increases costs and complexity but also contributes to a larger environmental footprint through energy-intensive cooling and the use of single-use materials.
Atelerix’s approach relies on hydrogel encapsulation to stabilize cells and tissues, maintaining viability for several days at room temperature. For Cherry Biotech, this capability supports both operational efficiency and environmental goals.
Pierre Gaudriault, Chief Business Development Officer at Cherry Biotech, said the partnership enhances the company’s ability to serve global customers without logistical friction. He said that partnering with Atelerix strengthened their ability to deliver cutting-edge organoid models to researchers in pharma and academia worldwide.
“The hydrogel preservation technology maintains cell viability for days at room temperature, removing cold-chain constraints and reducing environmental footprint. This innovation brings unprecedented convenience and reliability to our customers. In short, Aterelix is making easy global shipping for our product possible,” he added.
For Atelerix, the agreement represents further commercial validation of its technology in a fast-growing segment of the life sciences market. Organoids and organ-on-chip systems are increasingly seen as critical tools for improving the predictive power of preclinical studies, particularly in drug discovery and toxicology.
Alastair Carrington, CEO of Atelerix, highlighted the broader implications of the collaboration. He highlighted the partnership with Cherry Biotech as a strategic step in expanding the reach and visibility of Atelerix’s solutions.
Carrington also shared his delight in working with an innovative partner, noting that their technology has already proven its ability to provide researchers worldwide with dependable organoid models.
“This partnership provides key validation, reinforcing the potential of ambient logistics to support the adoption of assay-ready animal model alternatives, advancing drug testing and better predicting human responses,” he added.
As preclinical research continues to move toward more human-relevant systems, solutions that simplify access while preserving data quality are likely to attract growing interest from investors and industry stakeholders alike.
