BOTHELL, Wash., Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BioLife Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLFS), a leading developer and supplier of bioproduction tools and services for the cell and gene therapy (CGT) market, announces it has entered into a multi-year supply agreement with Qkine Limited under which BioLife will distribute certain cytokine and growth factor products manufactured by Qkine for use in cell and gene therapy manufacturing.
The agreement provides BioLife with exclusive worldwide distribution rights to specific Qkine products for the CGT market and non-exclusive rights to Qkine products in the CGT market. In addition, the companies intend to collaborate on a process development and validation program to enable Qkine to package certain of its products using BioLife's proprietary CellSeal® Connect vial system, which is designed to be incorporated into closed system and/or automated CGT workflows.
Roderick de Greef, BioLife's Chairman and CEO, commented, "We are pleased to establish this strategic distribution and CellSeal® Connect product development relationship with Qkine, a recognized leader in the fast-growing cytokines market. Qkine's cytokine products are highly complementary to our cell culture supplement offerings and expand the portfolio of solutions we offer our CGT customers. We have specifically identified cytokines along with other biologically active cell culture media components as attractive, fast-growing and profitable adjacent product categories that align with our long-term growth strategy."
Dr. Robert Scoffin, Qkine's CEO, added "We are excited to partner with BioLife, a well-respected leader in the bioprocessing tools market. This collaboration brings together our expertise in cytokine innovation with BioLife's extensive reach and customer relationships in the CGT market. Together, we aim to deliver greater value to customers and help advance the development and manufacture of next‑generation cell and gene therapies."
Cytokines and growth factors play a vital role in the manufacturing of cell and gene therapies by regulating and stimulating cell growth, activation and performance. According to third-party market research, the current global cytokines market is estimated at $500 million annually and is projected to grow at a mid-teens compound annual rate, reaching $1 billion by 2030, driven by expanding CGT development pipelines.
About Qkine Limited
With headquarters in Cambridge, England, Qkine Limited is dedicated to advancing stem cell and regenerative medicine research by developing high-purity, bioactive growth factors and cytokines. With a focus on scientific rigour and product excellence, Qkine supports cutting-edge biological research and clinical translation worldwide. For more information, please visit www.qkine.com.
About BioLife Solutions
BioLife Solutions is a leading developer and supplier of bioproduction products and services for the cell and gene therapy (CGT) and broader biopharma markets. Our expertise facilitates the commercialization of new therapies by supplying solutions that maintain the health and function of biologic materials during collection, development, storage and distribution. For more information, please visit www.biolifesolutions.com or follow BioLife on LinkedIn and X.
Cautions Regarding Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "plans," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "designed," "may," "estimate," "guidance," and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and beliefs, and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by the forward-looking statements. A description of certain of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in filings we make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available at www.sec.gov. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results and events may differ materially from results and events currently expected by us. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect any change in its expectations with regard to these forward-looking statements or the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Media & Investor Relations
At the Company
Troy Wichterman
Chief Financial Officer
(425) 402-1400
twichterman@biolifesolutions.com
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Jody Cain
(310) 691-7100
jcain@allianceadvisors.com
SOURCE BioLife Solutions, Inc.
We believe the promise of cell and gene therapies starts with the integrity of a single cell
Advancing the future of cell and gene therapy
The human body can heal itself. Cell and gene therapies are designed to augment the patient’s ability to fight disease but only if the living cells behind those therapies remain viable and functional throughout the production processes. At BioLife Solutions, our mission is to protect the integrity of cells and provide trusted tools, services, and expertise that can enable our customers to advance the development and delivery of cell and gene therapies. We believe the future of cell and gene therapies hinges on the integrity of every single cell and we are here to protect that promise.
We understand the technical demands of bioprocessing in this field, and our advanced biopreservation expertise, cell culture optimization products, innovative storage systems, and closed-system manufacturing solutions are designed to enhance process efficiency, maintain cellular viability, and ensure reproducibility at every stage. Whether scaling up from R&D, navigating clinical trials or optimizing cryopreservation protocols for commercial production, we provide the tools and experience to streamline your workflow and safeguard your therapies.
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BioLife Solutions delivers specialized tools and expertise to help bioprocess engineers streamline and strengthen biopreservation processes across the cell therapy workflow. From selecting the right biopreservation media to minimizing cell loss during freezing, storage, and transports, our solutions are designed to improve consistency, reduce risk, and support a successful transition from development to clinical application.
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At BioLife Solutions, we partner with leading contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) to enhance their biopreservation and cell processing capabilities. By providing advanced tools, regulatory support, and process optimization strategies, we empower CDMOs to better serve therapy developers, ensuring quality, consistency, and scalability in cell therapy manufacturing.
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Navigating the complex regulatory landscape of cell and gene therapy requires a proactive approach. BioLife Solutions offers experienced regulatory support to help prepare your biopreservation and cell processing methods to meet global standards. From IND and BLA submissions to compliance with GMP, FDA, and EMA guidelines, our solutions help streamline approval pathways.
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