News & Media
August 19, 2025 - ‘Axelyf Closes Seed Financing to Advance Next-Generation RNA-LNP Therapeutics’
Axelyf Inc. today announced the closing of $2.6 million in seed funding, with the potential to reach a total of $4.1 million this fall. The round was led by Brunnur Ventures GP, of Iceland, and included participation from Omega ehf and Silfurberg ehf, both Icelandic venture capital firms with extensive biotech and medical technology portfolios.
The funds will support the development of Axelyf’s proprietary AXL technology, which demonstrated superior in vivo gene editing potency compared to the LP-01 benchmark currently being used in Phase 3 trials. In partner studies, AXL lipids achieved higher mouse gene editing efficiency at lower doses, without signs of liver toxicity, as well as high potency for gene insertion with reduced immune stimulation, demonstrating flexibility to address multiple gene therapy models.
The full press release was published by EIN Presswire.
May 27, 2025 - 'Developing and delivering mRNA lipid nanoparticle therapeutics’ - BioTechniques Interview with Örn
“The mRNA-LNP approach is perfect because it creates the gene editing system in a transient way, in the right cells and the right spots in the genome – like fixing a typo in a large computer program.”
Recorded at ELRIG Research & Innovation 2025, this interview from the BioTechniques International Journal of Life Sciences features Örn from Axelyf discussing how mRNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology is enabling the delivery of complex therapeutics like antibodies. These nanoparticles offer a versatile platform for delivering mRNA to specific tissues, with ongoing research focused on improving stability, reducing inflammation, and expanding tissue targeting. Their potential to enable safe, transient gene editing marks a major advance in precision medicine, and Axelyf is well positioned to pioneer this technology. Learn more about LNPs and their future impact — click here to view the full article.
May 8, 2025 - Örn appears at BioPharmaChem Impact 2025 Meeting in Naas, Ireland
Örn presented and was a panelist at the BioPharmaChem Ireland Impact 2025 meeting, sharing his insight on how Irish academia are tackling the toughest challenges in cutting-edge drug development.
The panel explored Ireland’s vibrant research ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, entrepreneurship, and a robust talent pipeline in advancing therapeutic discovery. Speakers highlighted how Irish academia and start-ups are driving innovation through strong connectivity and scientific excellence, aiming for the sustainable growth of the biopharma sector.
March 28, 2025 - Örn Almarsson interviewed by Lucia Donajová from Synthace
In this interview, Örn shares his journey from organic chemistry to drug discovery, discussing challenges like improving RNA therapies and treating neurological diseases. He also highlights the importance of curiosity, networking, and innovation while working on groundbreaking drug delivery solutions at Axelyf.
Click here to read the full article.
February 3, 2025 - Örn Almarsson joins Charles Spence on ‘A Dose of Reality’ podcast
Örn Almarsson joins Charles Spence, host of A Dose of Reality – Hidden Truths of Clinical Leadership podcast and leader of biotech talent firm Discera Search, for a compelling conversation about his journey from humble beginnings in Iceland to becoming a leader in the biotech industry.
In this episode, Örn shares key moments from his career, reflecting on both the challenges and triumphs that ultimately led to the founding of Axelyf ehf. He also offers valuable insights on the power of mentorship, the importance of networking, and how passion drives career success (Spotify).
September 13, 2024 - Örn Almarsson presents at UNSW RNA Institute Symposium in Sydney, Australia
Our CEO Örn presented a keynote at a symposium of the RNA institute at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia, on September 13th.
The presentation, entitled ‘Reflections on mRNA-LNP Systems for New Biologics’, was well received and a pdf version is available here.
Örn has been an advisor to the RNA institute at UNSW since 2020 and has a visiting fellow appointment in chemistry at UNSW.
August, 2024 - Molecular Library Established via Combination of Acquired Assets and Internal Work
Axelyf completed acquisition of an exciting molecular library that accelerates and enables our efforts in LNP design for RNA medicines. The integrated lipid library, which includes our lead molecule and original molecules made before the acquisition the assets of 76bio, is rich in potent delivery compounds for mRNA. The medicinal and supramolecular chemistry approach is world-class and intellectual property is newly filed, placing Axelyf in a position to pursue best-in-class LNPs for applications in biomolecular delivery. We will utilize the library for our own product candidates and partner our technology for products of other companies in the future.
March 11, 2024 - SSPC Collaboration Formally Announced
Today we announced along with SSPC, the SFI Research Center for Pharmaceuticals in Ireland, a new collaboration with leading supramolecular chemistry team at Maynooth University (MU) near Dublin. The aim of the collaboration is to discover new biomolecular delivery chemistries for a new generation of pharmaceutical products. We are excited to be working with prof. Rob Elmes and team at MU and SSPC- looking forward to promoting exciting molecular design and supramolecular chemistry for nanoparticles in biomolecular delivery.
Reykjavík, June 5, 2023
Axelyf has been awarded its first grant from the Icelandic Centre for Research to investigate anti-inflammatory effects of BPH-555, an astaxanthin prodrug. The grant enables Axelyf to broaden its work on its lead compound to additional indications. The grant, which is in the Sprout (Sproti) category, is the Company's first non-dilutive funding.
Reykjavík, May 6th, 2023
Örn Almarsson was interviewed in Iceland for The Iceland Monitor and discussed the founders' motivation and establishment of Axelyf, the future of the company, and collaboration with Algalíf Iceland - a biotechnology company specializing in the production of asthaxanthin from algae.
Córdoba, Argentina, & Reykjavík, April 4th, 2023
Today Axelyf ehf and CEPROCOR, a research center in Santa Maria de Punilla, Córdoba province Argentina, signed a Master Services Agreement to formalize a multi-year collaboration to pursue chemistry and bio-analytical work for Axelyf’s pipeline projects. The minister of science and technology in Córdoba province, Mr. Pablo De Chiara, and Örn signed the agreement for the parties, cementing a strong relationship and signaling a bright future for the contributions of the talented Argentinian team to support Axelyf.
