AnaBios acquires Cell Systems to expand cell portfolio
Cell Systems offers a variety of human primary cells, including endothelial cells from the brain, liver, kidney, eye, and lung cells.
According to the companies, the latter cells have been used in the ongoing assessment of COVID-19. In addition, Cell Systems liver sinusoidal endothelial cells were used in a study of a novel liver-chip model that validated the use of primary cells for this microfluidic application.
In addition to offering primary cells, Cell Systems also provides cell culture media products, and reagents. The company is 30 years old and provides services to customers in 30 countries across the globe.
Cell Systems offer its human primary cells to pharma and biotech companies, as well as universities, which allow its clients to engage in translational research using 2D and 3D models, microfluidic devices, and in organ-chip technology.
AnaBios, a preclinical-focused contract research organization (CRO), stated that the finances for the transaction were provided by the company’s existing investors, including Ampersand Capital Partners. In terms of the financials involved, the company noted that these would not be disclosed.
The CRO provides human tissue samples, cells, and services for the pharma industry and academic laboratories, which is also where the overlap between AnaBios and Cell Systems’ offerings exist. The services of providing human primary cells and tissues are used by the industry as they are able to provide clinically relevant data in the early-stages of drug development.
Andre Ghetti, CEO of AnaBios, said, “By maximizing the synergies between our offerings and expertise and Cell System's human primary cells and media, we will provide enhanced translational tools and reagents to academic, pharmaceutical and biotech researchers and optimize their research programs through enhanced human insights.”
In further dealmaking, during February 2023, AnaBios signed a technology and license agreement with the University of Louisville.
As a result, the company gained access to human cardiac slice technology, which allows for the investigation of human cardiac biology and pharmacology in native 3D preparations. The service could be used to aid in the discovery of new medicines, and also serves to extend the lifespan of cardiac cells and 3D tissues beyond the previous limit of less than 24 hours.
