Imaging Biometrics’ (IBAI) Kirkstall Selected for Glioblastoma “Tumour on a Chip” Research Initiative

Imaging Biometrics Limited (LSE:IBAI) subsidiary Kirkstall has been named as an industry collaborator in a Nottingham Trent University-led research programme focused on developing a living glioblastoma “tumour on a chip” model using the company’s Quasi Vivo organ-on-a-chip platform. The initiative is designed to replicate both the blood-brain barrier and the tumour microenvironment within a microfluidic system, with the aim of improving the accuracy of preclinical brain cancer drug testing while reducing dependence on animal-based studies.

Project Backed by BBSRC and NC3Rs Funding

The programme is being supported through a joint funding initiative from the BBSRC and NC3Rs. Researchers plan to integrate advanced imaging techniques with human-derived cells to study how potential therapies cross the blood-brain barrier and influence tumour development.

Management believes the grant represents an early endorsement of the Kirkstall acquisition and marks an important step toward combining organ-on-a-chip technologies with MRI analytics capabilities. The company sees the collaboration as strengthening its position within high-value oncology and central nervous system drug development markets, while also enhancing relationships with regulators and academic organisations promoting human-relevant, animal-free testing approaches.

Financial Performance and Market Outlook Remain Under Pressure

The company’s near-term outlook continues to be shaped by weak financial performance, including ongoing losses and continued cash burn. Technical indicators also remain negative, with the shares trading significantly below major moving averages.

While low leverage levels help limit balance sheet risk, valuation metrics remain constrained by negative earnings and the absence of dividend yield data.

More about Imaging Biometrics Limited

Imaging Biometrics Limited is an LSE-listed healthcare technology group specialising in quantitative neuroimaging software and organ-on-a-chip solutions. Its subsidiary, Imaging Biometrics LLC, develops advanced MRI analysis software used globally for brain tumour evaluation, while Kirkstall Limited produces the Quasi Vivo organ-on-a-chip platform for pharmaceutical research, toxicology applications, and disease modelling.