October 23, 2025

Jackson Laboratory Acquires New York Stem Cell Foundation

News Summary

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) has acquired the New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF), advancing automation in life sciences research. This acquisition enables JAX to utilize NYSCF’s robotic array, amplifying research efforts on critical diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s. With the capacity to produce 1,300 cell lines daily, JAX can enhance clinical trials while establishing a new stem cell manufacturing facility. The merger underscores the significance of induced pluripotent stem cells in scientific discovery, marking a transformative shift in biomedical research practices.

New York City – The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) has announced its acquisition of the New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) this week, marking a significant step toward enhancing automation in life sciences research. This acquisition allows JAX to access NYSCF’s advanced robotic array, a vital asset that is instrumental in producing large quantities of unique cells for medical research.

The integration of NYSCF’s robotic platform is expected to speed up JAX’s research into critical diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and various rare genetic disorders. With the ability to produce up to 1,300 cell lines a day, the Global Stem Cell Array provided by NYSCF will enable research on a scale that far exceeds what human researchers can accomplish alone. This automation could significantly streamline the development of tailored clinical trials, potentially reducing participant pools and overall costs for the pharmaceutical industry.

In addition to improving research capabilities, JAX aims to expand its network of research laboratories along the East Coast following this acquisition. The deal is pivotal in emphasizing the importance of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are capable of developing into almost any type of human cell, making them invaluable for lab testing and scientific discovery.

Future Developments

As a result of this acquisition, JAX plans to establish a second stem cell manufacturing facility within the next year. This site will focus on producing stem cells specifically for pharmaceutical companies, thereby creating a new revenue stream for JAX and expediting external clinical trials. Although the specific location for the new facility has yet to be determined, it is likely that it will be outside of New York City.

Furthermore, NYSCF’s facility located in Hell’s Kitchen, within the historic Hudson Research Center, will continue to operate as a dedicated research center. This center, which spans 322,000 square feet, houses a variety of life sciences firms and has been a key player in stem cell research since NYSCF began experimenting with stem cells in 2005. Recently, NYSCF has also incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) into its methodologies to analyze large sets of data more effectively.

JAX and NYSCF Background

The Jackson Laboratory, one of the largest biomedical research nonprofits in the United States, reported approximately $578 million in revenue and total assets amounting to $1.5 billion in 2023. In addition, JAX has received over $75 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the fiscal year 2025. The merger with NYSCF combines JAX’s longstanding expertise in genetics with the advanced automation technologies developed by NYSCF, thereby laying the groundwork for future biomedical discoveries.

JAX currently operates laboratories across several locations, including Maine, New York, Connecticut, California, Florida, and Japan. The financial specifics of the acquisition have not been disclosed, but it represents a strategic move to bolster research capabilities and production of human stem cells.

Overall, the acquisition of the New York Stem Cell Foundation by the Jackson Laboratory signifies a transformative shift in how biomedical research can be conducted, enabling faster, more efficient studies that have the potential to lead to groundbreaking medical advancements. By harnessing the power of automation and extensive cell production capabilities, JAX is poised to enhance the landscape of life sciences research significantly.