Authera is a pre-clinical biotechnnology company dedicated to the development of novel therapeutic biologics. Authera was founded in 2022 as a spin-off from Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo. The company’s technology platform and pipeline are based on decades of research conducted by the co-founding team, centered on the biology and therapeutic utility of albumin or antibody-based molecules.
Our business
Science-driven partnerships
Authera is a science-driven company. We specialize in molecular design and comprehensive studies where we explore protein engineering strategies.
We do this through
…our technology platform which is centered around understanding the biology and characteristics of molecules that target FcRn in a direct or indirect manner.
…using our deep scientific knowledge to forward our own antibody development pipeline.
We seek to collaborate with leading academic institutions, non-profit organizations, life science investment firms, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical partners.
A Cutting-Edge
Technology Platform
The Authera team has a deep understanding of the complex biology of the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) – a broadly expressed cellular receptor with many functions. It interacts with two ligands, IgG antibodies and albumin, providing them with a long circulatory plasma half-life.
Authera’s technology platform helps selection and tailored design of novel therapeutic molecules with fine-tuned FcRn binding and transport properties. By integrating advanced biochemical and cellular assays with state-of-the-art in vivo mouse models, our platform reveals how novel therapeutic candidates engage FcRn and are sorted intracellularly, which results in distinct pharmacokinetic profiles. Such knowledge de-risks product development and accelerates the path to clinical evaluation.
Our pipeline
AuT-1
Focus area
Exudative eye diseases
Stage
Pre-clinical
Partner with
AuT-1
Undisclosed
Meet our team
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Simone has a PhD in albumin and antibody-based formats and has previous leadership experience from the 2-year UiO Life Science innovation program SPARK Norway. Simone is a mentor for science students at Ullern Upper Secondary School in collaboration with Oslo Cancer Cluster. She was awarded with a Women TechEU grant in 2024. Simone is co-founder and the CEO of Authera, where she combines her scientific expertise with a strategic vision to lead the company.
CEO & Co-founder
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Torleif holds a PhD in antibody-based formats for eye diseases and their interaction with FcRn. He has previously co-founded and served as the CEO and Chairman of a MedTech start-up. Torleif is a co-founder and the CSO of Authera, bringing a wealth of entrepreneurial and scientific expertise to the company.
CSO & Co-founder
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Hans Petter holds a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of General Business from BI. He has more than 20 years of experience from the life science sector, working as a part-time CFO for several companies, including Affitech, Nextera, Vaccibody, Otivio and Innovio. Hans Petter has previously held positions as Investment Manager in SND Invest AS and Investor Relations at Christiania Bank.
CFO
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Gaia is a pharmacist with a PhD focused on intracellular signaling pathways. As a Senior Scientist at Authera, Gaia supports the company’s research and development.
Lead Senior Scientist
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Milena holds an MSc in Genomic Medicine and brings a strong background in drug development, clinical trials, and translational research from her previous roles at Nykode Therapeutics and Charles River Laboratories. As a Senior Scientist at Authera, Milena supports the company’s research and development.
Senior Scientist
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Jenny holds an MSc in biotechnology and works as an Associate Scientist at Authera, supporting the company’s research and development.
Associate Scientist
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Jan Terje is a Professor in Biomedical Innovation with over 20 years of academic experience and is an experienced key opinion leader in the field of FcRn biology and protein engineering, including antibodies and albumin. Jan Terje is a co-founder and serves as the Chairman of the Board of Authera. He is an elected member of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.
Chairman & Co-founder
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Inger is Professor Emerita with over 40 years in academia and is recognized as an experienced key opinion leader within albumin and antibody biology. With previous experience from co-founding two successful biotech companies, she brings extensive expertise and insight to Authera’s board. She is an elected member of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters.
Board member & Co-founder
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Eirik is an ophthalmologist, holds a PhD focused on vascular and inflammatory mechanisms and has more than 10 years of academic experience specializing in eye diseases. Eirik brings valuable clinical insights to Authera’s research program.
Medical Advisor
News
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11.11.25
Press release: Authera secures new funding from the Research Council of Norway to advance Lead Antibody-based Candidate for Treatment of Severe Eye Diseases
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03.06.25
Press release: Authera receives new support from the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted to continue the development of a lead antibody-based candidate for treatment of severe eye diseases.
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23.12.24
Authera featured in Din Øyehelse, as part of Dagbladet.
In this article, we talk about our mission is to develop innovative treatments for serious eye diseases, to address the unmet clinical need for therapeutics with novel mechanisms of action. This offers hope to millions of people who today lack viable options, and will gradually lose their vision due to lack of efficacious treatment. -
06.11.24
Listen to the episode of Careers in Discovery, with Torleif T. Gjølberg, CSO and co-founder of Authera here.
Torleif takes us through Authera's journey from its academic beginnings in Oslo to becoming a revenue-generating company with a clear mission: to drive therapeutic innovation. He reflects on his path from molecular biology to biotech entrepreneurship, highlighting the power of curiosity, adaptability, and having the courage to bridge science and business.
If you're curious about making the leap from academia to biotech, or want to hear what it really takes to build a company with heart, tune in—you won’t want to miss this episode. -
18.09.24
In connection with Tekna's 150th anniversary, Authera was highlighted as a problem solver of the future.
In this presentation, co-founders Simone Mester and Torleif Tollefsrud Gjølberg give a glimpse into what Authera does and how they ended up as biotech entrepreneurs.
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16.09.24
We are proud to announce that Authera and our CEO Simone Mester are among the 40 winners for the first call of Women TechEU.
As part of the initiative, we receive a €75k equity-free grant and access to a personalised business development programme with mentoring, coaching, and targeted training.Read more about it in these articles from MedWatch , Innovation Norway and Oslo Cancer Cluster.
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26.06.24
Press release: Authera receives support from the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted to develop a lead antibody-based candidate for treatment of severe eye diseases.
Read more in MedWatch.
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08.11.23
Press release: Authera enters research collaboration and option agreement with argenx to develop a lead antibody-based candidate for treatment of severe eye diseases.
Read more in MedWatch.
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03.10.23
Authera selected among the 30 innovative Nordic companies shortlisted to the Nordic Star pitch competition at NLSDays 2023.
Read more in MedWatch.
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25.05.23
Press relase: Authera enters into a collaborative agreement with the Jackson Laboratory to combine expertise on FcRn biology in a translational perspective.Read more in MedWatch and Healthtalk.
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20.03.23
Press release: Authera enters into research agreement with argenx to broaden understanding of FcRn biology.Read more in MedWatch and HealthTalk.
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21.12.22
Authera receives funding from the Norwegian Research Council to support drug development pipeline.Read more in MedWatch.
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11.11.22
Authera receives grant from Innovation Norway.Read more in MedWatch.
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27.10.22
Press relase: Authera established to translate biological insights into innovative design of therapeutic biologics.
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