bit.bio expands on back of lower prices and broader distribution model
This new initiative is further strengthened by the launch of bit.bio’s second dedicated distribution hub, expanding on its existing California US base, and now enabling EU-based researchers to benefit from reduced lead times, lower logistical costs, and less administrative burden.
Restructuring the pricing of bit.bio’s human cells is expanding access across the life sciences sector, enabling scientists in academia, biotech, and pharma to adopt new approach methodologies (NAMs) at scale, in line with emerging guidelines that prioritise human-predictive technologies.
With lower costs per vial and volume discounts, bit.bio is enabling researchers to run more technical replicates, test more conditions, and design larger experiments that better capture human biology without exceeding grant constraints or R & D budgets.
This directly supports the global push from regulators, funders, and industry to reduce and eventually replace animal use in research, by making high-quality human cell models accessible to the wider scientific community, and not just a tool for specialised research labs.
To complement the new pricing, bit.bio has officially opened a European Distribution Hub in partnership with SciSafe, Inc., a cGMP-compliant biopharma storage and logistics provider, which is expanding from its HQ in New Jersey.
CEO Przemek Obloj says: "Our mission has always been to provide every scientist with access to consistent, high-quality human cells. The momentum we’ve seen, marked by our strongest sales quarter to date and the continued confidence of our investors, allows us to shift our business model.
“This is not just a price change; it is an investment in global research that helps turn a widely shared ambition into practical reality: improving the quality of preclinical research and increasing the likelihood that drugs succeed in the clinic."
The new European Distribution Hub builds on bit.bio’s existing US distribution capabilities and marks the next step in expanding global supply infrastructure, with plans to further support customers in the APAC region.
The hub addresses growing demand from biotech and academic institutions by enabling next-working-day delivery across the EU and removing the need for customers to manage customs processes. By holding inventory closer to customers, bit.bio supports time-sensitive projects and strengthens its presence in the European research and drug discovery ecosystem.
Since spinning out from the University of Cambridge in 2016, bit.bio has raised over $200 million from leading investors including Arch Venture, BlueYard Capital, Charles River Laboratories, Foresite Capital, M&G, Milky Way, National Resilience, and Tencent.
• At the time of going to Press, Business Weekly was awaiting a response from bit.bio regarding the location of the new European Distribution Hub and details of expansion geographies generally.
