Newcastle-based human stem cell model business Newcells Biotech has secured £5.25m in funding to accelerate its growth in the international life sciences market.

Newcells Biotech is a commercial stage life science company which uses its proprietary technology in stem cells and cell biology to build models of human tissues.

The tech improves the ability to generate data on the safety, efficacy, and pharmacology of drugs prior to human trials.

The company said it will use the investment to spearhead its international expansion in the US, growing its existing commercial operations, and launching new products.

The money will also help accelerate the business’ development of models for liver and lung conditions, the latter of which could advance the research into SARS-CoV-2 and its treatments.

This second major investment means the company has received a total of £10m of non-dilutive and equity funding over the past five years.

“Over the last two years Newcells has made great progress in bringing innovative products and services to market that have delivered value to our global pharmaceutical customers,” said Dr Mike Nicholds, chief executive, Necells Biotech. “Whether it be in understanding how new drugs interact with the kidney or the retina, our scientists have produced data that has helped lower the risk of early drug discovery projects. The input and support of Mercia and NorthStar has been invaluable in driving forward the business. Our vision is to bring the best in vitro biology to market, improving the productivity of drug discovery and development.”

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