UK Biocentre Selects the Azenta Life Sciences BioArc Ultra Automated Storage System to Advance Research Excellence

Rhea-AI Summary

Azenta (Nasdaq: AZTA) has been selected by UK Biocentre to provide its BioArc Ultra automated storage system for expanding large-scale sample storage capabilities. This addition complements seven existing BioArc Flex systems at their facility. The new system will be installed at UK Biocentre's 70,000 square-foot facility in Milton Keynes, England.

The BioArc Ultra will increase the facility's storage capacity by 16 million samples, adding to its current 35 million sample capacity. The system features high-density, fully automated -80°C storage with picking capability of up to 9 million picks per year. The solution includes FluidX 2D-coded screw-cap tubes for enhanced inventory management.

Key benefits include reduced footprint, lower labor requirements, and decreased electricity costs. The system employs an eco-friendly refrigeration system with zero Ozone Depletion Potential and zero Global Warming Potential. UK Biocentre will use this technology to support the Our Future Health study, which aims to develop new ways to prevent, detect, and treat diseases across up to 5 million people in the UK.

Positive

• Secured major contract with UK Biocentre for BioArc Ultra system
• Expands existing relationship with UK Biocentre, which already uses seven BioArc Flex systems
• System provides significant operational cost savings through reduced labor, footprint, and electricity usage
• Technology supports large-scale research project involving up to 5 million people

Negative

• None.

Insights

Technology and Life Sciences Solutions Analyst

This deal marks a strategic expansion of Azenta's footprint in the critical UK biobanking market, building upon an existing successful partnership. The selection of BioArc Ultra for the Our Future Health program, which aims to collect samples from up to 5 million people, positions Azenta to capture substantial recurring revenue through consumables like their FluidX tubes and ongoing maintenance services.

The technical specifications of BioArc Ultra - particularly its high-density storage capacity, advanced automation capabilities and eco-friendly features - address key industry pain points around operational efficiency and sustainability. This positions Azenta favorably against competitors in the rapidly growing biobanking market, projected to reach $3.9 billion by 2027.

Strategically, this installation strengthens Azenta's presence in the UK's life sciences ecosystem, potentially leading to additional opportunities as the country expands its biomedical research initiatives. The deal's significance extends beyond immediate revenue, as it:

• Validates Azenta's technology leadership in automated bio-storage
• Creates a high-profile reference site for future sales efforts
• Establishes a strong position in large-scale healthcare research projects
• Demonstrates the scalability of their automated storage solutions

The operational efficiencies provided by BioArc Ultra, including reduced footprint, labor and electricity costs, align with growing industry demands for cost-effective and sustainable sample management solutions. This positions Azenta to potentially secure similar large-scale deployments as other countries launch comparable healthcare research initiatives.

BURLINGTON, Mass., Jan. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Azenta, Inc. (Nasdaq: AZTA) today announced that it has been selected as the technology provider by UK Biocentre as they expand their large-scale sample storage in support of the preservation of internationally significant sample collections. This new system is in addition to the seven Azenta BioArc™ Flex™ automated sample store systems already in place at the facility. UK Biocentre will utilize the new BioArc Ultra™ to deliver on critical research projects including the United Kingdom's largest health research program – Our Future Health.

The BioArc Ultra will be installed into UK Biocentre's 70,000 square-foot facility in Milton Keynes, England, which specializes in the management and processing of biological samples. Currently capable of storing over 35 million samples, the facility will expand its capacity to conduct large-scale biomedical research by an additional 16 million samples with BioArc Ultra's high-density, fully automated -80°C storage system with picking capability of up to 9 million picks per year. As part of the overall solution, UK Biocentre utilizes Azenta's automated systems, as well as FluidX™ 2D-coded, high-quality screw-cap tubes, to elevate inventory management quality, reduce variability, and mitigate risk for this and other vital research projects.

The Ultra delivers significant operational efficiency benefits, including reduced footprint, labor requirements, and electricity costs as compared to other commercially available systems, and benefits UK Biocentre's carbon emission reduction goals through the use of an eco-friendly refrigeration system with zero Ozone Depletion Potential and zero Global Warming Potential, thus advancing sustainability in science. This robust automation system offers the option of up to 10 picking stations, providing the flexibility to increase throughput and/or labware types.

UK Biocentre will utilize the storage capacity of the BioArc Ultra in support of the UK's Our Future Health study of up to 5 million people in the development of new ways to prevent, detect, and treat diseases.

Dr. Tony Cox OBE, Chief Executive Officer of UK Biocentre, stated, "The BioArc Ultra ensures UK Biocentre remains at the forefront of large-scale sample storage innovation while fulfilling our mission to reduce the environmental impact of vital clinical and life science research. We are proud to partner with Azenta Life Sciences to bring this unique offering to the UK, enabling us to maximize the potential of every sample."

"We are excited to support UK Biocentre with the advanced automation sample storage capabilities of the BioArc Ultra," said Alex Esmon, Vice President and General Manager of Global Products at Azenta Life Sciences. "The addition of the BioArc Ultra delivers on the promise of enabling breakthroughs faster through substantial improvements in proven automation and refrigeration technology that ensures critical sample integrity while streamlining workflows and ensuring sustainability."

To learn more about the BioArc Ultra, visit https://www.azenta.com/products/bioarc-ultra-high-density-80-c-automated-sample-storage-system.

About Azenta Life Sciences

Azenta, Inc. (Nasdaq: AZTA) is a leading provider of life sciences solutions worldwide, enabling impactful breakthroughs and therapies to market faster. Azenta provides a full suite of reliable cold-chain sample management solutions and multiomics services across areas such as drug development, clinical research, and advanced cell therapies for the industry's top pharmaceutical, biotech, academic and healthcare institutions globally. Our global team delivers and supports these products and services through our industry-leading brands, including GENEWIZ, FluidX, Ziath, 4titude, Limfinity, Freezer Pro, and Barkey.

Azenta is headquartered in Burlington, MA, with operations in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit www.azenta.com.

About the UK Biocentre
UK Biocentre is a respected leader in sample management, high-capacity bioprocessing & analysis, and automated storage. We support and facilitate large-scale biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical studies, enabling life-changing research in the academic, pharmaceutical and biotech communities. From the outset we've valued our role as essential collaborators in the scientific process providing reliable, high-quality solutions that help researchers make critical advancements in their fields. This drives our passion for delivering unparalleled services, using state-of-the-art technology, and adhering to the highest compliance, certification, and accreditation standards. For more information, please visit www.ukbiocentre.com.

INVESTOR CONTACTS:
Yvonne Perron
Vice President, Financial, Planning & Analysis and Investor Relations
ir@azenta.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT:
Renay Picard
Director of Marketing, Sample Management Solutions
renay.picard@azenta.com

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SOURCE Azenta

FAQ

What is the storage capacity expansion provided by Azenta's BioArc Ultra system at UK Biocentre?

The BioArc Ultra system will add 16 million samples to UK Biocentre's current 35 million sample storage capacity.

What are the key operational benefits of AZTA's BioArc Ultra system?

The system offers reduced footprint, lower labor requirements, decreased electricity costs, and features an eco-friendly refrigeration system with zero environmental impact.

How many sample picks per year can AZTA's BioArc Ultra system handle?

The BioArc Ultra system can handle up to 9 million picks per year with its automated storage system.

How many BioArc systems does UK Biocentre now have from AZTA?

UK Biocentre will have eight BioArc systems in total, including seven existing BioArc Flex systems and the new BioArc Ultra system.

What major research project will AZTA's BioArc Ultra system support at UK Biocentre?

The system will support the UK's Our Future Health study, which aims to develop new ways to prevent, detect, and treat diseases across up to 5 million people.