Cell and Gene Therapy Thawing Equipment Key Players and Company Profile 2025

Eppendorf AG (Eppendorf SE)

Overview

• Headquarters: Hamburg, Germany; founded in 1945.

• A private life-science company recognized globally for its pipettes, centrifuges, PCR systems, bioprocess equipment, and laboratory consumables.

• Reported 2024 revenue of €980.3 million, reflecting its strong presence in laboratory instrumentation and consumables worldwide.

Products

• Liquid-handling solutions including pipettes, tips, and dispensers for precise sample processing.

• Sample-handling equipment such as centrifuges, tubes, and ultra-low temperature freezers.

• PCR systems, bioshakers, and cell culture/bioprocess instruments supporting molecular biology and cell-based applications.

• Digital lab solutions and services that connect instruments, streamline workflows, and enhance data integrity.

Strengths

• Iconic global brand known for precision, reliability, and long product lifespans.

• Broad market reach across academic, biopharmaceutical, and industrial laboratories.

• Balanced portfolio combining high-margin consumables with durable laboratory equipment.

Opportunities

• Implementation of the “Empowering Eppendorf” program launched in 2024 to drive operational efficiency and innovation.

• Strong potential in digital lab automation and bioprocessing, aligned with the shift toward connected laboratory environments.

• Expansion in emerging markets through channel investments and strategic local partnerships.

Challenges

• Global slowdown in laboratory spending observed throughout 2024 impacting short-term growth.

• Intense competition from diversified lab technology companies offering broader integrated portfolios.

• Rising logistics and material costs creating margin pressures in international operations.

Recent Developments (Strategy)

• Company-wide “Empowering Eppendorf” initiative introduced to boost efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.

• 2024 marked as a challenging fiscal year, with proactive measures taken to position for growth recovery.

• Ongoing portfolio expansion and customer service enhancements to strengthen global market presence.

Azenta Life Sciences (Brooks Life Sciences)

Overview

• Headquarters: Burlington, Massachusetts, USA; founded in 1978 as Brooks Automation.

• A leading provider of life sciences services and products, including genomics, biostorage, and automation solutions; rebranded as Azenta Life Sciences to reflect its life science focus.

• Reported FY2024 revenue of approximately $656 million.

Products

• Automated biostorage and cryogenic systems with advanced sample management and informatics.

• Genomics and sequencing services (GENEWIZ) serving global research and biotech clients.

• Controlled-thaw and CGT workflow devices added through the acquisition of Barkey GmbH.

Strengths

• Blue-chip customer base across biotech, pharma, and research organizations.

• A strong balance of services and product lines ensuring recurring revenue streams.

• Proven acquisition track record with 29 successful integrations expanding capabilities and market reach.

Opportunities

• Cross-selling Barkey’s thawing systems into its global biostorage customer base.

• Growth in CGT logistics and end-to-end sample lifecycle management solutions.

• Global expansion of genomics and sequencing service operations.

Challenges

• Integration of multiple acquisitions while maintaining operational efficiency.

• Rising competition in the genomics and biostorage service market.

• High capital requirements for scaling cold-chain and automation infrastructure.

Recent Developments (M&A/Portfolio)

• Completed acquisition of Barkey Holding GmbH to enhance CGT thawing and automation capabilities.

• Reported FY2024 revenue of ~$656 million, reflecting continued growth from integrated product and service offerings.

• Continued investment in site expansion and product development to strengthen its global footprint.

Cryoport Systems (Cryoport, Inc.)

Overview

• Headquarters: Irvine, California, USA; founded in 1999.

• Recognized as a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics and bioservices supporting the cell and gene therapy (CGT), reproductive medicine, and animal health sectors.

• Reported 2024 revenue of $228.4 million, driven by strong performance in CGT logistics and storage.

Products

• Cryogenic shippers, dewars, and monitoring technologies for validated transport of temperature-sensitive materials.

• Bioservices and biostorage solutions, including GMP-compliant kitting and cold-chain management.

• End-to-end supply chain design and program management tailored for advanced therapies.

Strengths

• Industry-leading compliance and reliability in cold-chain logistics and chain-of-custody assurance.

• Proven expertise supporting late-stage and commercial CGT programs globally.

• Diversifying revenue base through the expansion of bioservices and integrated solutions.

Opportunities

• Growth from new commercial CGT launches, boosting recurring shipments and service contracts.

• Expansion of global storage and service nodes, improving customer accessibility and redundancy.

• Strategic partnerships with therapy developers and CDMOs to provide end-to-end logistics infrastructure.

Challenges

• Dependence on CGT clinical pipelines, leading to revenue fluctuations with program progress.

• High capital expenditure to expand storage capacity and logistics hubs.

• Growing competition from new entrants in specialty cold-chain logistics.

Recent Developments (Growth/Financials)

• Reported FY2024 revenue of $228.4 million, marking continued year-over-year growth.

• Trailing 12-month revenue of ~$238 million as of mid-2025.

• Expanded Life Sciences Services division, strengthening its biostorage and bioservices capabilities.

BioCision LLC

Overview

• A U.S.-based life sciences company focused on standardized, temperature-controlled handling of biomaterials, widely known for its CoolCell®, CoolBox®, and CryoPod® products.

• The company has collaborated with Brooks (now Azenta) and partnered with distributors such as Corning for select product lines.

• Operates as a portfolio brand with parts of its business acquired by Brooks; launched MedCision to advance automation solutions.

Products

• CoolCell® alcohol-free, controlled-rate freezing containers for consistent cryopreservation.

• CoolBox® ice-free benchtop cooling systems maintaining precise temperatures during sample handling.

• CryoPod™ portable liquid nitrogen-based cryogenic carrier developed in collaboration with Brooks/Azenta.

Strengths

• User-friendly and standardized thermal tools adopted across global laboratories.

• Strong ecosystem connections with major automation and biostorage equipment providers.

• Clear product benefits for reproducibility, sample integrity, and temperature consistency.

Opportunities

• Integration into CGT standard operating procedures (SOPs) to minimize handling variability.

• Collaborative development with logistics and storage providers for connected thermal workflows.

• Training and educational initiatives promoting best practices in sample handling.

Challenges

• Brand and ownership transitions following partial acquisition and integration into Brooks/Azenta.

• Competition from lower-cost thermal tools produced by emerging labware manufacturers.

• Limited public financial data due to private ownership structure.

Recent Developments (Collaboration/M&A)

• Entered strategic collaboration with Brooks (Azenta) resulting in the launch of the CryoPod® carrier.

• Brooks acquired BioCision’s key product lines, while BioCision established MedCision for automation technologies.

• Continued distribution partnerships for its “Cool Lab” line to enhance global accessibility.