Illustration of enveloped viruses

Virenc AB is solving the problem with infections caused by enveloped viruses

Virenc AB is dedicated to developing a new generation of antiviral substances for prevention and treatment of severe infections caused by enveloped viruses and establish, restore, and maintain human health

Virenc AB is a Swedish life-science startup company committed to identify and develop novel antiviral compounds

  • Problem – New epidemics and pandemics

    • Epidemics and pandemics caused by emerging pathogens are a serious threat to global health.

    • Severe viral pathogens are expected to continue circulating and contribute to increased morbidity and mortality.

    • Development of reliable vaccine candidates is an expensive and time-consuming process, moreover, they quickly become ineffective due to virus mutations.

    • Development of antiviral drugs has been very limited and there is a lack of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.

  • Our solution – antiviral peptides

    • Rapid and efficient elimination of viruses.

    • Acts broad-spectrum against a wide range of different viruses, including influenza, corona, and flaviviruses.

    • Reduces virus spreading – lower risk of epidemics and pandemics.

    • Unique mechanism of action – limited resistance development, can be combined with other antivirals.

    • Topical administration, including mouth/nasal spray and skin ointment or cream – easy, safe, cost-effective and does not require a hospital visit.

Developing new ways to combat and cure virus infections.

Virenc AB is a Swedish life-science company committed to identify and develop novel anti-microbial compounds to inhibit severe virus infections and to be part in the global action plan against outbreaks of virus diseases leading to epidemics and pandemics. Specific bacteria-derived peptides have been identified with most potent antiviral activity. The company was established as a spin-out from Örebro University, where R&D activities were carried out by the founders of the company. 

Our Mission

To discover and develop novel anti-viral compounds and formulations leading to technologies and strategies to prevent severe infections worldwide in human health care.

Our Vision

To play a vital role in the global fight against virus infections by developing innovative preventive and therapeutic antiviral strategies promoting healing and recovery of patients, for licensing and product commercialization.

New antiviral drugs based on our peptides can prevent severe infections, e.g., acute respiratory infections, and make a long-term contribution to sustainable health. The goal is to present and establish our technology based on antiviral peptides to the market as a novel effective and sustainable strategy for prevention and treatment of virus human infections and counteract their spread in society.

Our team

  • Hazem Khalaf

    Co-founder, Chief Scientific Officer, Associate Professor 

    Hazem Khalaf is Associate professor in Cellular microbiology at the Department of Medical Sciences, Örebro University and has over 10 years of experience of research and education in the field of cell biology, microbiology, inflammation, cell signaling and host-microbe interaction. He has supervised 6 PhD students and several Master students and published more than 30 scientific papers.

  • Torbjörn Bengtsson

    Co-founder, Senior researcher, Professor

    Torbjörn Bengtsson is Professor in Medical cell biology at the Department of Medical Sciences, Örebro University and has over 30 years of experience of research and education in the field of cell biology, microbiology, inflammation, infection and host-microbe interaction. He has supervised over 20 PhD students and postdocs and published around 100 papers.

  • Mattias Jonsson

    ORU-Holding, Chief Executive Officer

    Mattias Jonsson is an Investment Manager at Örebro University Holding AB, bringing over 20 years of experience in fostering and managing startups originating from academic research. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the academic startup ecosystem, Mattias has successfully guided numerous ventures from inception to commercialization, leveraging extensive expertise in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Partners

Aurena Laboratories AB

Aurena Laboratories is a Swedish contract manufacturer specializing in sprayable medical products. Aurena supports Viren's operations and will become the company's main manufacturing partner for finished products.

Örebro Universitet Holding

Virenc AB was established in 2024 to develop and commercialize antiviral research conducted at Örebro University. Örebro University Holding AB works to commercialize ideas and innovations derived from research and education at Örebro University. Örebro University's holding company is owned by the Swedish state.