The multinational BioIVT buys the Catalan biotech BeCytes
The company will continue working from its headquarters in the Barcelona Science Park, where it will expand its laboratory
BarcelonaThe Barcelona Science Park (PCB) has achieved another success. The American multinational BioIVT has acquired the Catalan company BeCytes Biotechnologies for an undisclosed sum. With this acquisition, BeCytes, which specializes in the processing of human tissues and cells for biomedical research and the pharmaceutical industry, will be able to expand its international presence and accelerate the development of new products.
The biotechnology company was founded in 2015 as spin-off From the University of Barcelona (UB), driven by a group of scientists in the field of cell therapy. Led by CEO Jordi Xapellí and technical director Estephan Arredondo, an expert in organ and tissue donation and transplantation, BeCytes was based from the outset at the PCB, directed by Maria Terrades.
It becomes one of the dozen biotechs Based in the science park, these companies have been acquired by a large international firm, a key step for growth in a sector like biotechnology, which requires significant funding for continued research. The list is completed by other companies such as Stat-Dx –acquired by Qiagen, which recently has established a development center in Esplugues—Vesismin Health, Infinitec Activos, Enantia, and Molomics Biotech.
Before the summer, BeCytes opened a new laboratory at the PCB (Barcelona Science Park), with the aim of expanding its production of biological samples, especially liver and lung tissue, a growing alternative in the market to avoid the use of animals in experimental studies. "Access to ethically obtained tissues and cells has become more crucial than ever due to increased demand," says BioIVT CEO Richard Haigh.
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"Barcelona is consolidating its position as one of Europe's leading biotechnology centers, and the Science Park is one of its epicenters," argues Arredondo. Following BioIVT's acquisition, BeCytes plans to increase its production capacity at the Catalan capital's science complex and solidify its position as the multinational's flagship center in Southern Europe. BeCytes will also participate in BioIVT's international research projects.
Therefore, it will need more laboratory space in a fully booked PCB with a waiting list, and will need to expand its team by bringing in new researchers. Currently, international activity accounts for 98% of the biotech company's business volume in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, the United States, Japan, and France.