Ten Years of RoukenBio: From Bold Ideas to Real-World Impact in Drug Discovery

A Decade of Drug Discovery: How It All Began

Ten years ago, RoukenBio was founded with a single, ambitious goal: to become the most trusted Contract Research Organisation (CRO), a research partner that propels the vision of drug developers. Founded by Andy Upsall, Michahaila Downie, and Dr Andrew Baron, the company, then known as Antibody Analytics, was driven by a shared vision to build a scientific organisation that would challenge conventions and set new standards for innovation.

The following year marked our starting point: moving in our first laboratory at BioCity, where the team quickly transitioned from vision to action, getting started working hard on their first bioassays. What began as a focused scientific endeavour has become a dynamic organisation equipped to provide real-world assay solutions for drug developers supporting their drug discovery pipelines with custom immunology assays, cell engineering and patent-dependent platform technologies. Our journey has never been about simply marking time or collecting milestones. Instead, it is about constant reinvention, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of purpose. 

Defining Moments That Shaped RoukenBio, Immunology CRO redefined

Pivot to Immunology: Breaking New Ground in Immuno-Oncology

Our first major turning point was the move from bioanalytical assay services to a focus on immunology. This strategic pivot positioned RoukenBio at the forefront of immuno-oncology, enabling us to develop the first human in vitro T cell exhaustion model that authentically mimics tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) found in the tumour microenvironment. This breakthrough advanced the science of immuno-oncology and set a new benchmark for CRO innovation.

“What began as a biologics-focused CRO has grown into something far more impactful: a partner that helps unlock new possibilities for patients by enabling therapeutic discovery in the immunology space. The scientific world around us is changing at breathtaking speed. We are witnessing an explosion of bold and imaginative approaches to treating immune-driven diseases, and with each new breakthrough, we’re reminded of why this work matters.” - Adele Hannigan, Chief Business Officer

A defining moment in this journey was the recognition of our scientific thought leadership through the “Scientists’ Choice Award” for our T cell exhaustion webinar, presented by our CSO, Dr Agapitos Patakas, in collaboration with Agilent Technologies. This award, given by Select Science, is a testament to the quality of our innovative research.

The webinar not only showcased our pioneering work in T cell exhaustion but also reinforced our commitment to sharing knowledge and advancing the field for the benefit of the wider scientific community. The recognition from peers and industry experts validated our approach and inspired us to continue pushing the boundaries of immunology research.

Engineering the Future: Building Our Cell Engineering Powerhouse

In 2020, RoukenBio took a bold step beyond its established strengths by founding its own Cell Engineering department. This expansion was driven by a clear vision: to empower therapeutic developers with engineered cell lines that are not only stable and reproducible, but also precisely tailored to the understanding the unique characteristics of each therapeutic modality. By embedding molecular biology expertise within our multidisciplinary teams, we ensure that cell engineering is seamlessly integrated into the broader RoukenBio offering, supporting everything from complex potency assessments to advanced immunology assays. 

In 2022, as our teams expanded, we outgrew our original BioCity base and moved into a new 2,000 m² Discovery Centre in Motherwell. This new headquarters removed previous constraints and unlocked the next phase of our growth.

What sets RoukenBio apart is our commitment to innovation and practical know-how with our pre-clinical assay services. With proprietary research tools like IndEx-2 and LocIn developed by our world-class Cell Engineering team, our scientists can develop cell lines with a level of precision and flexibility that’s hard to match. These platforms enable us to rapidly generate custom reporter systems, integrate complex genetic constructs, and deliver solutions that enable innovative drug development. This unique research toolkit doesn’t just enhance our internal capabilities; it positions RoukenBio as a trusted partner for clients tackling the most challenging questions in biologics and cell therapy.

Recognising the value of these innovations, we have filed two patents for IndEx-2 and LocIn in 2022, underscoring our commitment to protecting and advancing our intellectual property. But we’re not stopping there. With a growing team of cell engineering specialists and a pipeline of new technologies in development, RoukenBio has big plans for the coming years. Our goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible; delivering bespoke solutions that help our partners accelerate discovery, reduce risk, and bring transformative therapies to patients faster. 

Fuel for Growth: How NorthEdge Accelerated Our Vision

Our growth and unique blend of cross-functional assay capabilities didn’t go unnoticed. After receiving a multi‑million‑pound investment from NorthEdge, we accelerated the scale of our operations, expanding the Rouken Discovery Centre and deepening the integrated way our collaborative teams work together across Immunology, Bioanalytical, and Cell Engineering. 

This growth is tangible; our laboratory footprint now spans 484 m² of purpose‑built space, equipped with advanced instrumentation, including HelixCyto capabilities and BioTek Cytation, so we can deliver faster, mechanism‑reflective data without compromising scientific rigour. Together, these distinct technologies let us screen, image, and measure on‑cell binding kinetics and avidity in their native environment - giving our customers insights that accelerate biologics and cell therapy programmes. It’s a powerful combination that reflects our commitment to turning science into solutions, and demonstrates how our unique toolkit enables innovative approaches that others simply cannot match. We’ve also grown in our employee numbers, strengthened our company culture while revised many of our internal systems to be more efficient.

“It is amazing to see the difference 10 years can make. When RoukenBio (at the time Antibody Analytics) began, it was just Andy, Andrew and I in a tiny office and labs in BioCity. Fast forward to today, we are in our very own Rouken Discovery Centre building and have a team of over 110 people, we just keep growing and expanding.” -  Michahaila Downie, Chief People Officer

Birth of RoukenBio – Redefining the CRO model

In 2024, we made a bold move and went through a full rebrand from Antibody Analytics to RoukenBio, Immunology CRO redefined. To us, this isn’t just a tagline, it’s our quest to prove ourselves as trailblazers who dare to think outside the box and sign up for the challenging in vitro assays that others avoid. This rebrand allowed us to grow and diversify the capabilities and services we offer without having constraints from our previous name.

From day one, we set out to challenge the status quo, building a company where collaboration, scientific empathy, and innovation drive drug development solutions. Our journey has never been about following a script or ticking boxes; it’s about evolving with purpose, embracing change, and delivering for our partners in ways that make a difference. One of our core company values is integrity, and we bring this into every project we undertake, by communicating honestly with our customers and giving them guidance using our own in-house expertise.

What sets RoukenBio apart is our belief that brilliant minds working together can solve the toughest problems in drug discovery. Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do - we’re your Collaborative Research Organisation, not just any CRO. We’ve built a culture where expertise is shared, ideas are tested, and every challenge is met with curiosity and determination. This collaborative spirit is the engine behind our breakthroughs, from pioneering immunology models to engineering bespoke cell lines and launching industry-first research tools.

“Over the past ten years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of RoukenBio’s growth around a clear mission, solving meaningful problems and delivering quality data that advances new therapies. Just as rewarding has been the chance to learn, grow, and be inspired by talented colleagues every day. Supporting each other’s development and celebrating what we achieve as a team has made this a genuinely rewarding place to work. The sense of purpose and teamwork here is what makes it special. I’m proud of what we’ve built together, and I’m excited to see where our ambition will take us in the years ahead.” – Andrew Baron, Scientific Director

Our world-leading NPS score of 75 isn’t just a number; it’s a reflection of the trust our partners place in us and the quality of the data we deliver. In an industry defined by complexity and constant change, we shine by staying agile, listening to our clients, and turning their challenges into opportunities for innovation. This collective commitment to care as deeply as our clients do transforms challenges into opportunities for innovation and lasting partnership.

As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of drug discovery, we remain committed to our mission: to become the most trusted CRO for biotherapeutic developers, propelling drug discovery breakthroughs. The next decade is not just about further growth; it’s about excellence, and staying true to the values that brought us here.

3D models and Innovation: Pioneering Models for Ethical, Faster Drug Discovery

At RoukenBio, innovation isn’t just a buzzword, it’s our foundation and key differentiator. Our commitment to advancing drug discovery means we’re always looking ahead and delivering novel solutions. The development of our 3D models marks a significant moment in our journey, reflecting our drive to reduce animal testing and accelerate the path to meaningful therapies. 

With the support of a Sanofi iDEA-TECH Award grant, our team is actively building physiologically relevant PK models that set new standards for scientific excellence and ethical responsibility. While the grant is scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2026, our work is already laying the groundwork for future breakthroughs.

This growth is about how we can future-proof our assay solutions; delivering data that propels breakthroughs, reduces risk, and brings transformative therapies closer to patients. Our collaborative approach, backed by brilliant minds and state-of-the-art technology, ensures every project benefits from the expertise of RoukenBio. 
 

The Next Chapter: Shaping the Future of Drug Discovery

As we close this chapter and look to the future, RoukenBio stands braced for the journey ahead; driven by our people, empowered by technical expertise, and guided by a commitment to excellence reflected in our industry-leading NPS. Our mission to become the most trusted CRO is more than an aspiration; it’s a promise we renew every day, through innovation and collaboration.  

Our future vision hasn’t changed; it’s just grown. Every time we achieve something, it just sets the bar higher and we’re always looking forward. RoukenBio is a testament to what happens when science meets ambition. Our progress comes from staying curious, working hard and earning trust. The past decade has built the platform; the next one's about where we can take it.” -  Andy Upsall, CEO

We’re not just anticipating change; we’re actively shaping it. With every breakthrough, every partnership, and every challenge overcome, we move closer to fulfilling our vision: propelling drug discovery and delivering real-world pharmaceutical solutions.