Biotechnology Research in Iceland

Alvotech

Our mission is to improve patient lives and the sustainability of the global healthcare ecosystem by broadening the availability and accessibility of biosimilars.

501 to 1000 staff

Decode Genetics

deCODE genetics is a global leader in analysing and understanding the human genome. Using its unique expertise and population resources, deCODE has discovered genetic risk factors for dozens of common diseases. The purpose of understanding the genetics of disease is to use that information to create new means of diagnosing, treating and preventing disease

201 to 500 staff

Vaxa Technologies Ltd

We are the first to provide hatcheries and fisheries with a year-round supply of fresh, live microalgae that provides higher yields, improves juvenile immune systems, and boosts Omega-3. We are also creating a new category of protein-rich and Omega-3 products for people, including nutrition supplements, natural colorants, and protein drop-ins for meat substitutes.

11 to 50 staff

Axelyf

Axelyf is a biotechnology company developing and delivering medicines based on RNA and using best-in-class proprietary lipid nanoparticle technology, leveraging the AXL library. The technology is targetable for extrahepatic delivery of RNA payloads with potency, tolerability and selectivity for numerous applications in medicines. Our background is drug development and we are establishing a therapeutic focus initially in autoimmune treatments, where the premium on delivery is significant. Our legacy prodrug product, is a complementary asset in autoimmune disease based on the natural lipid Astaxanthin. Our prodrug is orally active and a strong anti-inflammatory in the CIA model, matching the performance of a billion-dollar JAK inhibitor Tofacitinib (XELJANZ). is superior in oral bioavailability to astaxanthin oil supplements, and with its improved properties is the best candidate for pharmaceutical development and commercialization of a drug delivering astaxanthin. The program is supported by grants, ready for IND-enabling studies in 2026, and targeted for partnering as we focus on the RNA-LNP enabling approach to generate new medicines.

1 to 10 staff

Alvotech

Our mission is to improve patient lives and the sustainability of the global healthcare ecosystem by broadening the availability and accessibility of biosimilars.

501 to 1000 staff

Algalif

ALGALIF is a leading supplier of high-grade natural astaxanthin products from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae, manufactured to rigorous quality and sustainability standards at our cGMP-compliant, indoor facility in Iceland. Our premium astaxanthin, branded ASTALIF™, is a powerful natural antioxidant with multiple health benefits and a solid scientific foundation. ASTALIF is a valuable ingredient for nutraceuticals with applications in brain health, eye health, healthy aging, cardiovascular health, muscle endurance/recovery, and skin health. OUR ASTAXANTHIN PRODUCT RANGE • 5%, 10% and 15% OLEORESINS - For soft gelatin capsules and topical oil-based cosmetics. • ALGAL BIOMASS - For soft and hard gelatin capsules. • BULK SOFTGEL CAPSULES - For white label applications. • BRANDED SUPPLEMENTS - For retail applications. QUALITY, SAFETY & SUSTAINABILITY • 100% natural • Non-GMO project verified • cGMP compliant • Novel Food • Natural astaxanthin has GRAS status in the United States • Gluten-free • One of the lowest heavy metal profiles in the industry • Allergen-free • Organic solvent-free • Halal & Kosher • Undetectable levels of heavy metals • HACCP principles are employed in our downstream processing • Algae cultivated with pure Icelandic water • Facility 100% powered by renewable geothermal energy • Sustainable manufacturing practices Visit to discover more or email us at sales@algalif.com.

51 to 200 staff

Orf Genetics

A privately-owned Icelandic company established in 2001. ORF Genetics Ltd. is a pioneer in genetic science committed to developing innovative, economically viable and enabling solutions to produce recombinant proteins more efficiently and safely than other protein expression systems. ORF Genetics developed for this purpose the unique expression system Orfeus™ that uses barley grain as a vehicle for recombinant protein production which has proven to be particularly effective in the expression of growth factors and cytokines. ORF has developed a portfolio of growth factors for the stem cell research market, the skin care market and for cultivated meat. ORF Genetics founded ISOKINE™, Endotoxin-free Growth Factors & Cytokines, and can offer lower list prices than market leaders. Standard bioactivity is on par with market leaders. ORF Genetics also founded BIOEFFECT™ when discovering a way to bioengineer a plant-based replica of EGF, a naturally occurring human protein, in barley. BIOEFFECT is an award-winning plant-based anti-ageing skincare range. Used by over 30% of Icelandic women since its launch in 2010. BIOEFFECT is sold in premium stores such as Harrods, Bergdorf Goodman, Harvey Nichols and online, ORF Genetics researchers are continuously discovering proteins that can be applied in different markets. ORF Genetics' latest project, MESOKINE™, allows ORF Genetics to produce growth factors for cuktivated meat which can revolutionize FoodTech. ORF Genetics ventures into a new market with MESOKINE™, facing one of the world’s most challenging global problems, the environmental, social and ethical impact of the global meat industry.

11 to 50 staff

Primex Iceland

Primex ehf is an icelandic marine biotech company who is a global leader in the manufacture and supply of chitosans and chitin derivatives. The traceability of ChitoClear TM starts by registering the catching area of the shrimp in the North Atlantic Ocean.

11 to 50 staff

Oculis

Oculis is a global biopharmaceutical company (Nasdaq: OCS; XICE: OCS) purposefully driven to save sight and improve eye care. Oculis’ highly differentiated pipeline comprises multiple innovative product candidates in development. It includes OCS-01, a topical eye drop candidate for diabetic macular edema (DME) and for the treatment of inflammation and pain following cataract surgery; OCS-02 (licaminlimab), a topical biologic anti-TNFα eye drop candidate for dry eye disease (DED) and for non-infectious anterior uveitis; and OCS-05, a neuroprotective candidate for acute optic neuritis (AON). Headquartered in Switzerland and with operations in the U.S. and Iceland, Oculis’ goal is to improve the health and quality of life of patients worldwide. The company is led by an experienced management team with a successful track record and is supported by leading international healthcare investors. For more information, please visit:

11 to 50 staff

Saga Natura

Saga Natura is a dynamic biotech business, located in one of the most pristine environments on earth – Iceland. Saga Natura’s focuses on the pure, natural form of the powerful antioxidant Astaxanthin and the wild growing organic herb Archangelica Angelica. We offer consumer products that are high-quality, safe and vegan friendly.

11 to 50 staff

Myskopun

Biotech company in the North-East of Iceland producing microalgae found living naturally in the geological wonder that is lake Mývatn.

1 to 10 staff

Sea Growth

Sea Growth is developing sustainable seafood, cultivated by using cutting-edge bioreactor technology, completely free from ocean pollutants.

1 to 10 staff

Ternaria Biosciences

Ternaria Biosciences is a biotechnology company revolutionizing the way we understand and utilize RNA enzymes, for the production of high quality RNA. Ternaria is part of the rapidly expanding field of RNA applications in therapeutics, agriculture and beyond.

1 to 10 staff

Eidosoma Ai

Eidosoma is a biotech company studying how intelligence emerges in living matter — and we build the AI scientists that help us, and other labs, listen.

1 to 10 staff

Arterna Biosciences

Arterna Biosciences is a biotechnology company revolutionizing the way we understand and utilize RNA enzymes, for the production of high quality RNA. Arterna is part of the rapidly expanding field of RNA applications in therapeutics, agriculture and beyond.

1 to 10 staff

Ad Astra Ehf

Ad Astra is developing a novel technology produce astaxanthin from algae. Our core IP is based on our patented biofilm photobioreactors. Astaxanthin is one of the most potent antioxidants in nature and the market has been growing very fast, or by 15-20% annually over the last two decades.

11 to 50 staff

Gleipnir Bioforge

Gleipnir Lífsmiðja has developed a revolutionary screening platform, SKÍRNIR, which utilizes the genetic power of yeast and synthetic biology to find new drug targets for previously 'untreatable'(undruggable) proteins and accelerate the development of new treatment options by many years.

1 to 10 staff

Genís

Genis is an Icelandic biotechnology company founded in 2005 in the arctic town of Siglufjörður. We are developing regenerative solutions from marine byproducts, using ChitoBiomer, our proprietary chitin-based technology, designed to improve patient recovery and support natural healing. Our mission is to improve quality of life by developing regenerative solutions from marine byproducts, through cutting-edge research and strategic partnerships.

11 to 50 staff

Örtec

We make automated lab equipment that saves time & resources for scientists in the medical & biotech industry

1 to 10 staff

Gongwinbiopharm 共信醫藥pts

51 to 200 staff

Ísmoli Iceland

Íslensk hrein næring.

11 to 50 staff