Meet the team

Meet Scientist Jonas Sävmarker on being curious and innovating for patients

July 4, 2024

As a research scientist at Orexo, Jonas spends his days solving complex problems, either in the labs or, increasingly, outside them. In this interview, Jonas explains more about his role and why, as he describes it, it takes him “everywhere and nowhere”.

Hi Jonas, what does being the Senior Principal Scientist involve?

My role is to work with the wider research and development (R&D) team to create innovative treatments for patients at the Uppsala-based labs at our headquarters in Sweden. I also attend conferences worldwide, alongside our business development colleagues, to answer technical questions.

How would you describe what it’s like working at Orexo?

We’re a small company with a highly skilled, dedicated R&D team. We can do great things because everyone works really hard and supports one another. You’re never on your own.  At Orexo, I’m surrounded by energy. It’s inspiring to be around people who are so committed and talented.

We’re a small company with a highly skilled, dedicated R&D team. We can do great things because everyone works really hard and supports one another.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I’m a naturally curious person. I appreciate the variety of my role and enjoy the opportunities to grow and develop myself.  I just take things on and do them. I like having a short time to learn something new. It gives me an intense focus and personal challenge.

What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on at Orexo?

When I joined Orexo, my goal was to develop a nasal naloxone product for patients experiencing an opioid overdose. It was much harder than I expected, but I’m proud to say that I took the initial steps in the creation of AmorphOX®, our world-class drug delivery technology. It’s the backbone of OX124, our nasal, high-dose rescue medication. The whole team have made AmorphOX into what it is today: An incredibly versatile technology platform.

We’re now able to run experiments using AmorphOX, including with large molecules. There’s so much potential for different uses across diverse therapeutic areas.

How do the next twelve months look for you?

My main focus is to continue researching all the possibilities that AmorphOX offers for patients, even outside our core area of opioid use disorder. The technology platform can be used for lots of different things, not just addictions. We’re exploring vaccines, and we’ve developed OX640, a powder-based epinephrine (adrenaline) product that has the potential to reach global markets.

My main focus is to continue researching all the possibilities that AmorphOX offers for patients, even outside our core area of opioid use disorder.

Salem Tewolde on solving real problems with a single goal in mind

Aug x, 2024

Salem shares her experiences of heading up the supply chain at Orexo, preparing to launch OX124, and her passion for enabling sustainability.

Hi Salem, how would you describe your role as Head of Supply Chain?

I work with my team to make sure we have everything in place to maintain an uninterrupted supply of our commercial products to distribute. Right now, one of our primary foci is establishing a sustainable supply chain for OX124, our high-dose rescue medication. A large part of my role is making sure ensuring that the supply chain operates efficiently and effectively, enabling the organization to meet its business goals.

Can you explain what setting up a sustainable supply chain involves?

We always start with a high-level map of all the supply chain stages, from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, distribution, and end-user delivery. It’s complex and requires collaboration across the organization. With OX124, we’ve had to source new companies that can produce and package our innovative nasal dispenser sustainably and at scale.

What’s working at Orexo like?

I found Orexo through LinkedIn. I was drawn to the company because I could see that it solves real problems in the world and contributes to saving people’s lives. I’m really impressed with the innovative technologies that we have at here, especially for a small company. 

We have one goal and everyone’s hands on, there’s no sense of prestige or hierarchy, we’re just one team working together.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Contributing to giving people hope and improving quality of life for patients, as it aligns with my personal values. As a small company, we can make decisions quickly and adapt to changes with agility. I enjoy my cross-functional role since it involves coordinating with various departments to achieve common goals.

The culture here is important to me, too. I enjoy the social side because it builds you as a team.

How do the next twelve months look for you?

Over the next year, I’m setting us up to launch OX124 successfully. Everything’s being planned, from the manufacturing to distribution. We need to consider every detail to ensure the final product is complete and ready to ship on time for the launch.