Vancouver-based Stemcell Technologies Inc. is adding one more biotech firm to its portfolio with the acquisition of U.K.-based Cellular Highways Ltd.
The deal includes Cellular Highways’ Highway1 device and its proprietary Vortex-Actuated Cell Sorting (VACS) technology, according to Monday’s announcement.
Cellular Highways specializes in cell sorting technologies and is a subsidiary of TTP Group Ltd.
The Highway1 device launched in 2024 and simplifies cell sorting for researchers and developers in the stem-cell therapy space, according to Stemcell’s announcement. The device uses the VACS technology to sort live cells through microfluidic vortices.
Stemcell Technologies specializes in making the media and processes for growing stem cells, which are used for both research and stem-cell therapeutics.
The federal government announced in March it would earmark $49.9 million for Stemcell Technologies to boost bio-manufacturing in B.C.
Stemcell Technologies is spending $222 million in new bio-manufacturing facilities to manufacture inputs for stem-cell therapies and research, which it said will create 460 jobs and 900 four-month co-op positions for students.
The Cellular Highways deal is part of a string of acquisitions Stemcell Technologies has been pursuing since last year.
Stemcell Technologies purchased Maryland-based Propagenix Inc. in January 2024 for an undisclosed amount and followed up the next month with the US$11.8-million acquisition of Massachusetts biotech firm SQZ Biotechnologies Company.
BIV reached out to Stemcell Technologies for more information on the cost of the Cellular Highways acquisition, but received no response prior to publication.
—With files from Nelson Bennett and Glen Korstrom
