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ORF Genetics Opens 'Green Factory' in Iceland
Human growth factors produced in barley grain, using renewable, geothermal energy

15 May 2008 - ORF Genetics, an Icelandic biotechnology company, announced the opening of new 22,000 ft2 (2043m2) cultivation facilities in Grindavik, Iceland. Utilizing its unique Orfeus(TM) protein production system in barley, ORF Genetics produces and markets biorisk-free ISOkine(TM) human growth factors for use in medical research, drug discovery and cosmetics.
 
The state-of-the-art Green Factory uses geothermal energy for safe, indoor cultivation of genetically engineered barley. It is set in the middle of a lava field, close to Iceland's best-known tourist attraction, the Blue Lagoon. The barley is cultivated in a soil-less hydroponic system on specially designed conveyor belts, allowing for the production of up to 90 different proteins at a time. The Orfeus(TM) system and new facilities allow ORF the flexibility to easily scale their production according to the unique requirements of different customers and markets. Currently ORF has more than 100 different growth factors in its pipeline and 10 ISOkine(TM) growth factors already on the market.
 
Bjorn L. Orvar, CEO of ORF Genetics, said at the opening of the greenhouse: "Our research and development efforts in recent years are now bearing fruit, and we see great opportunities for rapid growth, specifically in the field of drug discovery and cosmetics."