STEMCELL Technologies has acquired Cellular Highways Ltd. to enhance its capabilities in advanced cell sorting technologies for applications in cell and gene therapy.

Target Information

STEMCELL Technologies, Canada's largest biotechnology firm, has announced its acquisition of Cellular Highways Ltd. Cellular Highways, located near Cambridge, United Kingdom, specializes in advanced cell sorting technologies. These technologies have vital applications in cell and gene therapy, drug discovery, and general cell research, particularly in scenarios where cell fragility is a concern.

The acquisition includes the innovative Highway1 instrument, which utilizes Cellular Highways’ proprietary VACS™ (Vortex-Actuated Cell Sorting) technology. This technology allows for gentle and precise cell sorting, offering high-speed functionality in a closed, sterile system through the use of microfluidic vortices. VACS™ distinguishes itself by avoiding traditional non-sterile droplet-based and electrostatic sorting methods, which can compromise cell health and viability, thus allowing researchers to process cells more effectively while ensuring high integrity for sensitive applications in therapeutic development.

Industry Overview

The biotechnology industry in the United Kingdom has been experiencing rapid growth and innovation, particularly in sectors related to cell and gene therapy. This surge is driven by an increasing demand for personalized medicine, alongside substa