ORF Genetics Raises $5M for Cultivated Meat Growth Factors

ORF Genetics, a privately-owned Icelandic company, has secured $5,000,000 in investment capital from investors. Established in 2001, ORF Genetics is recognized as a pioneer in genetic science, specializing in the development of innovative and economically viable solutions for producing recombinant proteins. The company's unique Orfeus™ expression system utilizes barley grain to produce growth factors and cytokines efficiently and safely. This funding round represents a significant milestone for the company as it continues to advance its diverse applications across biotechnology, skincare, and FoodTech. The core of ORF Genetics' work lies in its ability to bioengineer plant-based proteins. Through its ISOKINE™ brand, the company offers endotoxin-free growth factors and cytokines for the stem cell research market, providing a cost-effective alternative to existing solutions while maintaining standard bioactivity. ORF Genetics also founded BIOEFFECT™, an award-winning plant-based anti-ageing skincare range, which uses a bioengineered replica of EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) produced in barley. BIOEFFECT is sold globally in premium retail outlets. Furthermore, the company is making strides in sustainable food production with MESOKINE™, its latest project focused on producing growth factors for the cultivated meat industry, addressing critical environmental and ethical challenges. All barley production takes place in an eco-friendly greenhouse located in an Icelandic lava field. The newly raised capital will be strategically deployed to accelerate ORF Genetics' research and development initiatives, scale its production capabilities, and expand its market penetration across its key divisions. This investment will support ongoing efforts to discover and apply new proteins in various markets, particularly enhancing the development and commercialization of MESOKINE™ for the FoodTech sector. ORF Genetics aims to solidify its position as a leader in recombinant protein technology, driving continued innovation and growth as it seeks to address some of the world's most pressing challenges through its scientific advancements.