Germany-based science and technology company Merck has agreed to acquire HUB Organoids Holding (HUB), a Dutch biotech company focused on organoid technology.
Organoids are advanced cell culture models that mimic the functionality of human organs to advance drug development and enhance disease treatment in diverse populations.
HUB has the foundational patent portfolio on organoids and has a service offering ranging from new model generation to assay development and high-throughput screening.
Its capabilities would enhance Merck’s portfolio of cell culture reagents, tools and benchtop instruments for academia, biotech, and pharma customers.
The proposed acquisition is expected to be completed by the end of this month.
Merck life science business Science and Lab Solutions head Jean-Charles Wirth said: “HUB’s leadership in organoids and services strengthen Merck’s already robust portfolio, underscoring our focus on the strategic innovation area of next-generation biology.
“For researchers working on novel approaches to treat today’s most challenging diseases, organoids offer critical insights into biologic systems. We look forward to making it faster and easier for scientists to get from samples to solutions.”
According to Merck, HUB’s technology allows drug developers to identify and validate potential clinical candidates in a patient-relevant in vitro system.
It enables researchers to limit their reliance on animal testing by reducing stages in the R&D process, positively contributing to more environmentally sustainable alternatives.
Also, they allow scientists to better understand drug interactions in patient populations that are underrepresented in clinical trials.
Merck said that its biology business is pursuing advances in 3D cell culture, a highly attractive market expected to show double-digit annual growth over the next decade.
Its current portfolio of cell biology technologies includes tumour spheroids, stem cell organoids, and tissue engineering via 3D bioprinting.
The company said that organoids provide opportunities to reflect genetically diverse populations in research and contribute to sustainability, diversity, and inclusion ambitions.
HUB Organoids CEO Robert Vries said: “Our proprietary technology stands at the forefront of solutions that are driving a paradigm shift for drug discovery and development.
“Merck’s resources will act as a multiplier for our business. This allows us to significantly expand our reach and increase our impact with customers and, ultimately, patients.”
