ZZ26008 Weighing Molecules using Light V01 180126

 Refeyn is a life sciences instrumentation company based in Oxford, UK, that has pioneered a revolutionary technology called mass photometry.  

Spun out of the University of Oxford in 2018 (from the lab of Professor Philipp Kukura), the company provides instruments that can "weigh" individual molecules using only light. As of 2026, it is recognized as a leader in bioanalytical tools, having placed over 500 instruments in labs worldwide.  

1. The Core Technology: Mass Photometry

The fundamental breakthrough of Refeyn is the ability to measure the mass of single biomolecules in their "native state" (in solution) without needing to attach fluorescent labels or tags.  

• How it works: When a molecule in a liquid sample lands on a microscope glass slide, it scatters light. This scattered light interferes with the light reflected from the glass surface. Refeyn’s software analyzes this interference pattern (the "contrast") to determine the exact mass of that single molecule.  

• Speed and Precision: A typical measurement takes only one minute and requires a very small amount of sample.  

• Output: The result is a mass histogram showing the different populations of molecules in a sample (e.g., showing if a protein is existing as a single unit or has clumped into "aggregates").  

2. Product Lineup

Refeyn offers a suite of benchtop instruments tailored for different biological targets:

• TwoMP: The flagship model, optimized for proteins, nucleic acids, and small complexes (30 kDa to 5 MDa).  

• SamuxMP: Specialized for AAVs (Adeno-Associated Viruses), which are used in gene therapy. It can quickly distinguish between "full" capsids (carrying the gene) and "empty" ones.  

• KaritroMP: A "macro" mass photometer designed for much larger particles, such as lentiviruses and large viral vectors.  

• TwoMP Auto: An automated version that uses robotics to process up to 14 samples (or more with 96-well plate compatibility) without human intervention.  

3. Key Software and Innovations (2025–2026)

• StreamlineMP: A new modular software platform launched in late 2024 to automate data analysis for specific applications, such as Antibody Stability and aggregation analysis.  

• MassFluidix® HC: A microfluidic system that allows researchers to measure samples at high concentrations by performing ultra-rapid dilutions (in under 37 milliseconds) right before the measurement.  

• MassFerence®: A range of standardized protein calibration kits to ensure results are consistent across different laboratories and instruments.  

4. Company Status and Leadership

• Recent Recognition: In January 2026, Refeyn was officially recognized as a Top Employer in the UK for its high-performing workplace and people strategy.  

• CEO: Gerry MacKay serves as the Chief Executive Officer.  

• New Chairman: In June 2025, Jean-Paul Mangeolle (formerly President of Sciex) was appointed as Chairman of the Board, succeeding Jonathan Flint.  

• Board Expansion: In late 2025, the company added Dr. Susan Altschuller as a Non-Executive Director to provide financial and strategic insight for global scaling.