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Tyneside biotech business Atelerix has struck a deal which will see it break into one of the world's biggest life science markets.

Newcastle University spin-out Atelerix is revolutionising how cells are stored and transported, having been formed seven years ago by co-founders Prof Che Connon, Dr Steve Swioklo and Dr Mick McLean to disrupt the cell preservation market.

Based at the Biosphere at Newcastle Helix, the firm takes its name from the behaviours of hedgehogs, which have the genus name Atelerix – in particular the African four-toed pygmy hedgehog that hibernates when the temperature dips below around 20C. The company’s patented hydrogel encapsulation technology allows cells to do just the same.

Now the company has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with MineBio, a leading Chinese supply chain and logistics organisation. Under the terms of the agreement, MineBio will act as the sole distribution partner for Atelerix’s products in China, providing solutions by enabling the storage and transportation of biomaterials, which are essential for drug discovery and pharmaceutical research, without freezing.

By simplifying the logistics of transporting biosamples, the firm’s solution reduces waste and energy consumption, eases shipping and handling protocols, and minimises loss in cell viability – a common problem within the pharma industry. The deal with MineBio sees Atelerix enter a market which accounted for 37% of global clinical trials in 2024, so positions Atelerix to support and scale within the region.

Alastair Carrington, CEO of Atelerix, said the collaboration marks a milestone in the company’s global growth strategy to expand access to its products, with the support from an established life science distributor specialising in innovative solutions for cell and gene therapy, regenerative medicine, and biologics development.

He said: “There is a burgeoning demand for high-quality, fresh biospecimens and sophisticated in vitro models in China. Our exclusive distribution partnership with MineBio officially marks Atelerix’s strategic entry into this market, and at an important time where the world is demanding broader access to advanced therapies – cell and gene therapies, for example.

"MineBio’s established customer base aligns seamlessly with our product offerings, positioning us to effectively meet the needs of this dynamic market, and the hogs, myself included, look forward to visiting the region in the near future.”