Single Cell Discoveries extends CRO services from discovery to clinical development

• Single Cell Discoveries has acquired TATAA Biocenter, combining discovery transcriptomics with regulated molecular bioanalysis and assay development within one CRO organization.

• The combined business has approximately 50 scientists across Utrecht, Netherlands, and Gothenburg, Sweden, with services spanning discovery, validation, preclinical research and clinical development.

Single Cell Discoveries (SCD), a specialist CRO focused on discovery transcriptomics, has completed its acquisition of TATAA Biocenter, adding qPCR, bioanalytical services and molecular assay development to its service portfolio. Financial terms were not disclosed. The companies said the combination will allow sponsors to move molecular targets from discovery through validated, regulatory-ready analysis within one organization.

The combined CRO employs approximately 50 scientists across Utrecht and Gothenburg. SCD contributes single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, high-throughput RNA sequencing, bioinformatics and multi-omics capabilities. TATAA adds qPCR, dPCR, proteomics, RNA and DNA sequencing, as well as GLP/GCLP-compliant bioanalysis. Combined services are available from September 2026.

The acquisition is intended to reduce the need for drug developers to transfer projects between separate discovery and validation providers. A target identified through single-cell sequencing can be assessed using spatial transcriptomics or proteomics and subsequently developed into a qPCR or RNA-seq assay validated under GLP or GCLP in Gothenburg, with samples and data remaining within the combined organization.

TATAA will continue operating from Gothenburg with its existing scientists, workflows, quality systems and customer contacts. Judith Vivie, COO, and Mauro Muraro, CEO, will lead the combined organization, while the Gothenburg operation will continue to be managed locally. The companies will serve pharmaceutical, biotechnology and academic customers across discovery, validation and clinical development.

“This is a natural fit. Customers kept telling us the same thing: they loved working with us on discovery but had to go elsewhere to validate targets for a clinical program. TATAA closes that gap.”

Mauro Muraro, Chief Executive Officer, Single Cell Discoveries