Our team
Eiríkur Steingrímsson
Co-founder, board member
Eiríkur has extensive experience in gene transcription with a specific focus on gene regulation in melanoma. He is a Professor of Molecular Biology at the University of Iceland. Eiríkur completed a doctorate from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and postdoctoral training at NIH, Maryland. He is one of the founders of Akthelia Therapeutics and has served on various boards and review panels.
Laura Lorenzo-Soler
Research Scientist
Laura completed her doctorate in drug delivery following topical administration from the University of Iceland. She has previously participated in projects involving genetic engineering and enzymatic activity and has experience in the research and development of vaccines.
Margrét Helga Ögmundsdóttir
Co-founder, board member
Margrét has investigated the process of autophagy in development and disease with a particular focus on cancer. Margrét completed a doctorate from Oxford University and is an Associate Professor of Cell Biology at the University of Iceland. In addition to running a laboratory she has served on various boards and been active in policy making at institutional and governmental level.
Steingrímur Stefánsson
Co-founder, board member
Steingrímur (Stenni) is a protein chemist with a doctorate from Medical College of Virginia (VCU) and postdoctoral training from SUNY Stony Brook, New York. He is a Senior Scientist at Akthelia Therapeutics. Stenni has worked for various institutes and corporations in the US for over 30 years where he honed his skills in protein purification and assay development.
Valerie Helene Maier
Board member
Valerie joined the board in 2022. She has a doctorate in cell biology and extensive experience in different molecular biology areas and techniques. Valerie is German having lived in Iceland for many years and sits on the board of several organisations, including a german family company. She has for the last years invested in different start-up companies, including in the health and pharma sector.