Atelerix and Cherry Biotech Partner to Enable Global Shipping of Organoid Models Using Hydrogel Preservation Technology
Key Insights
Atelerix (search) and Cherry Biotech (search) have announced a partnership to integrate hydrogel encapsulation technology (search) with advanced 3D organoid systems for global shipping without cold-chain logistics.
The collaboration aims to improve reliability and consistency of transporting temperature-sensitive biological models while reducing environmental impact and logistical complexity.
Cherry Biotech (search)'s organoidPlate (search) containing ready-to-use organoids for adipose tissue, breast cancer (search), liver and lung models will be validated for stable shipment using Atelerix (search)'s preservation technology.
Atelerix (search), a biotech company developing innovative cell preservation solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with French organ-on-chip specialist Cherry Biotech (search) to revolutionize the global distribution of complex biological models. The collaboration aims to integrate Atelerix's patented hydrogel encapsulation technology (search) with Cherry Biotech's advanced three-dimensional organoid systems, enabling extended-duration worldwide shipping without the need for expensive and environmentally damaging cold-chain logistics.
Addressing Critical Transport Challenges
Organoids and organ-on-chip models serve as human-relevant alternatives to animal testing in biomedical research, but their widespread adoption has been hampered by significant transport constraints. The temperature-sensitive nature of these biological materials has traditionally required costly cold-chain logistics that are prone to failure and carry substantial environmental costs.
Under the initial 12-month trial agreement, the two companies will explore technical compatibility and strategic alignment to establish foundations for a scalable, long-term commercial partnership. This collaboration is designed to improve the consistency and reliability of deliveries while expanding global access to high-quality preclinical data.
Technology Integration and Validation
The partnership will focus on validating Atelerix (search)'s hydrogel preservation technology for the shipment of Cherry Biotech (search)'s recently launched organoidPlate (search), an advanced multiwell plate containing ready-to-use organoids for adipose tissue, breast cancer (search), liver and lung models. Cherry Biotech's product portfolio integrates artificial intelligence analysis, high-resolution live imaging and precisely controlled organoid culture to better predict drug efficacy and safety by generating data that more closely reflects real human biology.
The collaboration builds on successful preliminary testing where Cherry Biotech (search) evaluated Atelerix (search)'s biosample preservation technology across multiple organ models. During this assessment phase, the hydrogel system demonstrated its ability to preserve membrane integrity and biological function at ambient or controlled temperatures, supporting stable transport without freezing or refrigeration.
Industry Impact and Commercial Potential
"This latest partnership with Cherry Biotech (search) is a key step in expanding our commercial traction, broadening market reach and increasing visibility for Atelerix (search)'s solutions," said Alastair Carrington, CEO of Atelerix. "It is fantastic to work alongside such an innovative CRO, we are delighted that our preservation technology has already proven itself in delivering organoid models reliably and hassle-free to researchers worldwide. 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."
Pierre Gaudriault, Chief Business Development Officer at Cherry Biotech (search), emphasized the practical benefits of the collaboration: "Partnering with Atelerix (search) strengthens our 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, Atelerix is making easy global shipping for our product possible."
Advancing Preclinical Research Accessibility
The partnership addresses a critical bottleneck in scaling up organoid and organ-on-chip technologies for widespread research applications. By eliminating dependence on cold-chain logistics, the collaboration could significantly reduce costs and complexity associated with distributing these advanced biological models to research institutions and pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
The companies believe this partnership could accelerate the global adoption of human-relevant preclinical models and help reshape how advanced biological materials are transported internationally, ultimately supporting more predictive drug development processes and reducing reliance on animal testing models.