Atelerix strengthens board with biotech veterans to accelerate global expansion

Biotech company, Atelerix, specialising in non-cryogenic cell preservation technology appoints industry leaders Sunil Shah and Dr Catherine Elton to drive commercial scale-up and international market penetration across life sciences sectors.

Atelerix, the Newcastle-based biotechnology company developing innovative hydrogel encapsulation technology for cell preservation, has appointed two prominent industry figures to its board of directors as it prepares for global commercial expansion.

Sunil Shah, co-founder of o2h Group and CEO of o2h Ventures, joins as chair of the board, whilst Dr Catherine Elton, chief business officer at Axol Biosciences, takes on the role of non-executive director. The appointments signal Atelerix’s strategic push to scale its non-cryogenic cell preservation solutions across international markets.

Strategic leadership expertise for commercial growth

Shah brings over two decades of experience in founding, scaling and investing in early-stage biotech companies through o2h Ventures, which maintains a portfolio of more than 35 companies spanning novel drug therapeutics, biotech platforms and AI-driven innovation. His board positions include Oxford Drug Design, Exonate, Kuano, Alevin Therapeutics and Metrion Biosciences, alongside his role as non-executive director of the UK BioIndustry Association.

Dr Elton contributes extensive scientific and commercial leadership experience across the life sciences sector. Currently chief business officer at Axol Biosciences, she previously founded Qkine in 2016, a University of Cambridge spin-out specialising in complex bioactive protein manufacture for advanced cell models and regenerative medicine. Under her leadership, Qkine established strategic partnerships with major global life science organisations and scaled operations across 37 countries worldwide.

Expanding market reach for cell preservation technology

The board appointments come as Atelerix seeks to capitalise on growing demand for its hypothermic gel technology, which enables biological material preservation and transport without traditional cryogenic requirements.
The company’s solutions address critical needs across clinical trial logistics, cell therapy applications and basic research sectors.

“Catherine and Sunil are widely regarded across the biotech sector for their scientific expertise and successful track record in company building,” said Alastair Carrington, chief executive of Atelerix. “Their support and guidance at this time will be invaluable as we continue to grow Atelerix on a global scale, bringing our unique cell preservation solutions to an international network of customers and partners.”

Building on international partnerships

The leadership strengthening builds upon Atelerix’s recent strategic initiatives, including an exclusive distribution agreement with MineBio established in April 2025 to create distribution channels for non-cryogenic cell preservation solutions in China.

Shah commented: “Atelerix’s hypothermic gel technology is redefining how biological materials are preserved and transported – a challenge that is only growing as life sciences become more global. Having worked with many companies that would benefit from this innovation, I am excited to join the board and help guide Atelerix through its next stage of growth.”

Dr Elton added: “Atelerix’s innovative platform for preserving cell and tissue viability addresses a significant unmet need across fast-growing markets, including clinical trial logistics, cell therapy and basic research. I’m very much looking forward to supporting their commercial execution.”