Atelerix, an o2h Ventures portfolio company developing hydrogel-based solutions for ambient temperature cell and tissue preservation, has entered into a strategic partnership with JH Health to expand its presence in the Middle East. The collaboration marks a major leap in making life science research and clinical diagnostics more accessible by eliminating the dependency on complex cold-chain logistics.
Under the agreement, JH Health, a Saudi Arabia-based company dedicated to advancing opportunities within the medical, pharmaceutical and broader healthcare sector, will hold exclusive rights to use and distribute Atelerix’s non-cryogenic cell and tissue preservation solutions throughout the Middle East.
Crucially, the partnership extends beyond distribution to include local high-volume manufacturing and regulatory collaboration, directly supporting the region’s rapidly growing biotech infrastructure.
Atelerix’s technology addresses a critical challenge in biological sample storage and transport. By enabling ambient temperature preservation for up to two weeks, it removes the need for costly cold-chain logistics, unlocking new efficiencies in clinical diagnostics, research, and biobanking.
o2h Ventures has supported Atelerix throughout its growth journey and played a key role in facilitating the strategic connections that led to this partnership. Beyond initial capital, o2h Ventures has leveraged its ecosystem to tap into global networks and bridge the gap between UK-based innovation and Saudi-based market leaders.
This expansion also paves the way for future regional investment, aligning with the surge of venture capital currently flowing into Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector.
Sunil Shah, CEO, o2h Ventures, commented, “It’s exciting to see Atelerix reach this important milestone. Congratulations to the team for getting this across the line. We see strong potential for strategic collaborations in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, as the region continues to invest in building a world-class life sciences ecosystem.”
Alastair Carrington, CEO, Atelerix, commented: “By partnering with JH Health, we gain access to the deep market expertise and local support needed to establish our operations in the Middle East. Their strategic investment will enable us to build out our local manufacturing capabilities, ensuring we are equipped to deliver the future of biological transport logistics and meet the needs of the rapidly growing life science market in the region. This partnership is an integral next step in our strategy to bring our advanced cell preservation solutions to customers worldwide.”
About Atelerix
Atelerix is transforming how the world preserves and transports biology – without cryopreservation.
Atelerix provides patented alginate hydrogel technology to stabilise cells, tissues, blood products, viruses and vectors at room temperature. From discovery research to clinical logistics, the Company helps scientists preserve viability, cut costs and simplify global transport. Often referred to as ‘the hedgehog guys’, Atelerix is known for making cell and tissue preservation radically simpler.
About o2h Ventures
o2h Ventures is a Cambridge-based specialist biotech fund manager focused on building and scaling science-led companies that address significant unmet medical needs. Through its Human Health funds, including SEIS, EIS, and KI EIS Growth, o2h backs high-conviction opportunities across therapeutics, enabling technologies, and AI/ML-driven healthcare.
Alongside supporting its existing portfolio through continued investment and active involvement, o2h Ventures also participates selectively in early-stage opportunities, reflecting an evolving strategy that spans company creation through to growth and scale. o2h Ventures combines capital, infrastructure, and ecosystem support to help develop and grow innovative UK biotechs.
For more information, please visit www.o2hventures.com
About JH
JH Health is dedicated to advancing opportunities within the medical, pharmaceuticals, and broader healthcare sectors. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainable growth, the company supports and develops initiatives that contribute to improving global health outcomes. By backing companies in medical technologies, pharmaceutical advancements, and healthcare services, JH Health plays an active role in driving progress across the industry. Its approach combines deep sector insight with a commitment to excellence, positioning the company as a contributor to the future of health and wellness. For more information email us on: info@jh-health.com
