Hydrogel tech enables global shipping of organoid models

Atelerix, a biotech company developing new approaches to cell preservation and biological transport, has announced a partnership with French organ-on-chip specialist Cherry Biotech. The collaboration aims to address one of the most persistent challenges in biomedical research: the reliable, cost-effective shipment of complex, temperature-sensitive biological models across the world.

Under the initial agreement, the two companies will explore the integration of Atelerix’s patented hydrogel encapsulation technology with Cherry Biotech’s advanced three-dimensional organoid systems. The aim is to enable extended-duration global shipping without reliance on traditionally expensive cold-chain logistics, which are also environmentally damaging and prone to failure.

Reducing dependence on cold-chain logistics

Organoids and organ-on-chip models are commonly used as human-relevant alternatives to animal testing, but scaling them up has been difficult due to transport constraints. By combining Atelerix’s hydrogel technology with Cherry Biotech’s in vitro platforms, the two companies aim to improve the consistency and reliability of deliveries while expanding access to high-quality preclinical data.

The collaboration will begin with a 12-month trial period designed to validate both the technical compatibility and the strategic alignment of the two companies. This phase is expected to lay the foundations for a scalable, long-term commercial partnership that could support worldwide distribution of assay-ready biological models.

Enhancing predictive preclinical research

Cherry Biotech’s product portfolio integrates artificial intelligence analysis, high-resolution live imaging and precisely controlled organoid culture. These technologies are designed to better predict drug efficacy and safety by generating data that more closely reflects real human biology.

As part of the partnership, Atelerix’s hydrogel preservation technology will also be evaluated for the shipment of Cherry Biotech’s newly launched organoidPlate. This advanced multiwell plate contains ready-to-use organoids for adipose tissue, breast cancer, liver and lung models and is already available for worldwide delivery.

Cherry Biotech’s 3D Human Mature Adipose Tissue Organoid from an AdipoPlate.

Building on proven performance

The collaboration follows an earlier test period in which Cherry Biotech assessed Atelerix’s biosample preservation technology across multiple organ models. During this 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.

“This latest partnership with Cherry Biotech is a key step in expanding our commercial traction, broadening market reach and increasing visibility for Atelerix’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.”

Supporting global access and sustainability

From Cherry Biotech’s perspective, the partnership offers a way to serve a growing international customer base while reducing logistical complexity and environmental impact.

“Partnering with Atelerix 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,” said Pierre Gaudriault, chief business development officer at Cherry Biotech. “This innovation brings unprecedented convenience and reliability to our customers. In short, Aterelix is making easy global shipping for our product possible.”

Together, the two companies believe the partnership could accelerate the global adoption of human-relevant preclinical models and help reshape how advanced biological materials are transported worldwide.