Atelerix Partners with MineBio to Distribute Cell Preservation Solutions in China
UK-based biotech innovator Atelerix partners with MineBio to bring next-generation ambient-temperature cell preservation to the world’s fastest-growing biopharma market.
In a major step toward transforming the logistics of biological sample handling in one of the world’s most vibrant life sciences markets, UK-based biotechnology company Atelerix has announced the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement with MineBio, a leading Chinese logistics and supply chain company specialising in biomedical and life sciences sectors. The agreement establishes MineBio as the sole distributor of Atelerix’s pioneering hydrogel-based cell preservation technology across mainland China.
The collaboration marks a significant strategic milestone for both companies as they aim to address the longstanding limitations of cryopreservation and ultra-cold storage, which remain a costly and complex bottleneck in the global biopharmaceutical and research ecosystem. Through this exclusive partnership, MineBio will bring Atelerix’s temperature-stable, ready-to-use biological transport solutions to research institutions, diagnostic laboratories, and therapeutic developers across China.
The Cryopreservation Challenge: A Global Bottleneck in the Biotech Industry
For decades, cryopreservation—typically involving the storage of cells and biological samples at ultra-low temperatures, often -80°C or even in liquid nitrogen—has been the standard method for preserving biospecimens. While effective to a degree, this approach is riddled with operational challenges and inefficiencies. Maintaining cold chain integrity from source to destination is logistically demanding and energy-intensive, frequently resulting in cellular degradation, loss of sample viability, and increased waste.
As the biomedical field expands, driven by advances in cell therapy, regenerative medicine, and in vitro model systems, the limitations of traditional cryopreservation have become even more pronounced. Delays in transportation, reliance on dry ice and expensive equipment, and the risk of sample loss during thawing or rehydration are all obstacles to efficient research and development, particularly in high-throughput or decentralised environments.
Atelerix is stepping into this critical gap with a transformative solution.
Hydrogel Encapsulation: A Novel Approach to Cell Preservation
At the core of Atelerix’s technology is a patented hydrogel encapsulation method designed to preserve cells, tissues, and other biological materials at ambient temperatures without compromising their structural or functional integrity. The hydrogels serve as a stabilising matrix, encapsulating the cells in a biocompatible environment that maintains membrane integrity and viability for up to two weeks—without the need for freezing or cryoprotectants.
This innovative approach addresses the root causes of sample degradation during transport and storage. By enabling ready-to-use biological samples to remain functional at room temperature, Atelerix’s platform dramatically simplifies logistics, reduces costs associated with cold chain infrastructure, and decreases the carbon footprint of shipping temperature-sensitive materials.
The technology is not only a sustainability solution but a powerful enabler of research agility. It allows labs and companies to ship and receive samples without delay, supports decentralised clinical trials, and improves the reproducibility of research outcomes by preserving sample fidelity across geographies and time zones.
Broad Utility Across Research, Diagnostics, and Therapy Development
Atelerix’s preservation system is designed for versatility, supporting a wide spectrum of biological sample types including primary cells, whole blood, cell lines, plated cell models, organoids, viruses, and tissue samples. Notably, the platform avoids the use of cytotoxic agents and animal-derived components, making it suitable for use in advanced therapeutic applications and regulated environments.
The technology is particularly well suited to the growing demands of cell and gene therapy workflows, where maintaining sample quality and biological function from point-of-care to manufacturing is critical. In this context, Atelerix enables seamless transitions from patient sample collection through to therapeutic product development and delivery—reducing variability, improving turnaround time, and increasing the scalability of innovation.
With its robust and practical performance, the platform appeals not only to academic and clinical researchers but also to commercial players in regenerative medicine, immuno-oncology, and advanced biologics.
Strategic Expansion into China: A Timely Move
The exclusive agreement with MineBio comes at a time when China’s biotech and life sciences sector is experiencing unprecedented growth. In 2024 alone, China accounted for approximately 37% of all global clinical trials, underscoring its central role in pharmaceutical development and biomedical innovation.
According to industry forecasts, China’s biotech sector is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.8% from 2024 to 2030, driven by increasing investments in R&D, government policy support, and a surge in demand for novel therapies. The country is also seeing rising interest in advanced in vitro models and tissue-based assays, creating fertile ground for disruptive logistics and preservation solutions like Atelerix’s.
By partnering with MineBio—an organisation with an established distribution network, deep market knowledge, and strong relationships with academic, commercial, and clinical stakeholders—Atelerix gains a powerful ally in penetrating the Chinese market.
“This collaboration is a key milestone in our international expansion strategy,” said Alastair Carrington, CEO of Atelerix. “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.”
Carrington added: “MineBio’s established customer base aligns seamlessly with our product offerings, positioning us to effectively meet the needs of this dynamic market. The team and I are very excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to visiting the region soon.”
MineBio’s Perspective: Empowering China’s Biomedical Frontier
Amy Zuo, General Manager at MineBio, echoed the enthusiasm and outlined the importance of introducing cryo-free solutions to the Chinese biospecimen logistics market.
“We are pleased to announce our partnership with Atelerix, introducing their hypothermic preservation portfolio for cells, tissues, and other biomedical samples to the Chinese market,” said Zuo. “This partnership presents a unique opportunity to expand access to much needed temperature-sensitive products, transforming the biomedical research landscape, and ultimately enabling scientists to focus on advancing ground-breaking therapies.”
Zuo highlighted how Atelerix’s products eliminate many of the pain points that Chinese researchers and biomanufacturers currently face when handling precious, perishable biospecimens. “Atelerix’s commercial solutions offer a fresh, cryo-free and hassle-free logistical solution, and we look forward to a successful journey together.” Redefining the Future of Biological Transport
As the global life sciences community continues to evolve toward more flexible, sustainable, and decentralised R&D models, the role of smart logistics technologies will only become more critical. The Atelerix-MineBio partnership exemplifies how strategic alignment between innovators and distributors can break down barriers, accelerate therapeutic discovery, and support scientific progress.
With demand for ambient-temperature preservation soaring, particularly across Asia-Pacific, Atelerix is poised to become a key enabler of the next generation of biotherapeutics and diagnostics. By leveraging MineBio’s infrastructure and market insight, the company is laying a strong foundation to scale its impact in China and beyond.
In a world increasingly dependent on the rapid and safe movement of biological materials, this partnership signals a new era—where science is no longer held hostage by cold chain complexity, but empowered by smart, sustainable, and scalable solutions.
