Revvity, Inc. announced on September 9, 2026, a definitive agreement to acquire Human Cell Design, a France-based biotechnology company focused on human cell models and preclinical research solutions for diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic diseases. The acquisition will bring Human Cell Design's human pancreatic beta cell models into Revvity's life sciences portfolio. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, and financial terms were not disclosed.
Advancing Human-Relevant Metabolic Disease Research
Human Cell Design's flagship EndoC-βH5 cell model provides researchers with a human-relevant system for studying pancreatic beta cell physiology and function. The company also offers specialized media, reagents, preclinical research support, and its proprietary NatLine cell-line development platform. These tools are designed to generate functionally consistent human cell models that improve the predictive value of drug discovery for metabolic diseases.
Compatibility with Revvity Detection and Screening Systems
The EndoC-βH5 cells are well suited for use with Revvity's HTRF and AlphaLISA assays to measure key pharmacological readouts such as cAMP and insulin. They are also compatible with pHSense technology for receptor internalization studies and ATPlite assays for cell viability and proliferation analysis. These capabilities extend to Revvity's high-content screening platform and enable more sophisticated approaches to interpreting complex cellular data.
Supporting Wet-Lab Validation in AI-Enhanced Science
As artificial intelligence plays a growing role in drug discovery, human-relevant cell models provide a critical foundation for testing and confirming AI-generated insights. The acquisition positions Revvity to strengthen wet-lab validation workflows that are increasingly important in AI-enhanced research. By combining these cell models with detection and analysis tools, Revvity aims to support more reliable biological interpretation.
Executive Views on the Combination
Prahlad Singh, president and chief executive officer of Revvity, said Human Cell Design brings differentiated cell models that complement Revvity's portfolio in screening, detection, automation, and analysis. He noted that researchers are seeking more human-relevant approaches to understand biology. Guillaume Costecalde, founder and president of Human Cell Design, said joining Revvity is expected to bring its cell models and NatLine technology to a broader global customer base.
Broader Applications Beyond Early-Stage Discovery
Human Cell Design's technology also has applications beyond early discovery, including research supporting regenerative medicine approaches for Type 1 diabetes. The combined solutions may support quality control activities as cell-based therapies progress toward commercialization. This expands Revvity's ability to serve customers across multiple stages of therapeutic research and development.
Revvity's Global Position and Strategic Context
Revvity reported 2025 revenue of $2.9 billion and employs approximately 11,000 people across pharmaceutical, biotech, diagnostic, academic, and government markets. The company is part of the S&P 500 index and serves customers in more than 160 countries. The acquisition of Human Cell Design aligns with Revvity's focus on providing complete workflows from discovery to development and diagnosis to cure.
The planned acquisition of Human Cell Design is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Once completed, it will combine specialized human pancreatic beta cell models with Revvity's established life sciences and detection portfolio. The transaction reflects Revvity's commitment to supporting next-generation GLP-1 and GPCR-targeting therapies for metabolic disease from research through clinical development.