Our Journey

Development of the Aelius Biotech model gut system first began at Newcastle University as part of the BBSRC funded Alginate and Obesity project – developing a new functional product for weight loss. Our scientists were working with big food companies who wanted to avoid the ethical and PR issues of animal testing and so developed an in vitro model to simulate digestion. This system correctly predicted the outcome of a human trial and was proving really useful in the lab for a range of other projects.

We realised the huge potential of the system so decided to make it available commercially. From talking to our customers, we learned that the in vitro models currently available weren't great for modelling absorption – as these models don't include a mucus layer – and so we made it our mission to develop the most physiologically relevant models possible.

This led to us developing the Aelius Biotech integrated digestion and absorption system – the first gastrointestinal model than can simulate digestion, mucus permeation and epithelial absorption in a single system.

Aelius Biotech now offers a range of in vitro testing and in vivo testing, from simple lab assays and routine testing, rheology, integrated digestion and absorption testing through the entire aerodigestive tract as well as running human trials.