IXICO PLC (LSE:IXI, OTC:PHYOF) shares jumped 4% to 11.13p after the company said it is entering 2026 with strong momentum, helped by a sharp rise in new contract wins.
The neuroscience imaging group has lifted its order book by 27% since the September year-end, taking it from £13.8 million to £17.7 million by the end of November.
Management said demand has strengthened across Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and blood-based biomarker work, even as much of the biopharma industry remains cautious on spending.
Despite tight investment conditions, IXICO noted that neuroscience research is accelerating, with an Alzheimer’s UK report showing 138 drugs now in testing, a 9% increase on last year.
The company expects growth to come from expanding its role as an imaging-focused contract research organisation and from broader use of its technology platform as drug developers seek more artificial intelligence-driven biomarker tools.
The upbeat outlook accompanied full-year numbers showing a return to growth: revenue rose 13% to £6.5 million, gross margin improved to 49% and EBITDA losses narrowed to £1.3 million. Cash increased to £3.5 million following a £3.7 million fundraise.
Chief executive Bram Goorden said 2025 had been “pivotal” and that IXICO enters the new financial year “with confidence and excitement”.