bit.bio raises $25m Series D to expand human cell models
M&G Investments and Jonathan Milner back a wider portfolio of programmable human cells for drug discovery and research.
bit.bio has raised $25 million in Series D funding to expand its range of human cell models and make them more widely available to pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology businesses and research organisations. M&G Investments and Abcam founder Jonathan Milner participated in the round.
The Cambridge company uses its opti-ox technology to produce defined human cell types consistently and at scale. Its ioCells portfolio includes more than 50 cell types across the heart, liver and central nervous system, supporting disease research, functional genomics, drug discovery and toxicology.
More reproducible human cell models can help researchers test the growing number of drug candidates generated by AI and study biology that animal models may not capture. bit.bio plans to build on its existing manufacturing infrastructure as it expands the portfolio.
The financing follows bit.bio’s Series C earlier in 2026. The $25 million announced in this round is separate from that earlier raise.
Use of funds
Expand human cell-type portfolio
Increase access for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and research customers