Afaxys Secures $8 Million to Advance Mission and Accelerate Growth Strategy

CHARLESTON, S.C., August, 2025 – Afaxys, Inc., a socially conscious healthcare company focused on serving the reproductive health needs of public health professionals and their patients, announces it has secured $8 million in new funding from two large foundations to support its mission and propel its growth strategy. The capital includes a $3 million program-related investment (PRI) from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and a $5 million grant from an anonymous foundation. This marks the third investment from the Packard Foundation since Afaxys was founded in 2008, underscoring the long-standing partnership and confidence in Afaxys’ impact-driven model. “Through our mission-based investments, Afaxys has grown into a durable and financially sustainable force in the market that will continue to actively ensure and continually expand reproductive health access for all patients, especially those served by public health providers,” said Susan Phinney-Silver, Mission Investing Director at the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

The new funding serves as a catalyst for growth as Afaxys continues its mission of providing millions of women in the United States access to affordable contraception. Afaxys is the only organization of its kind with an established, nationwide distribution infrastructure serving public health clinics. Afaxys plays a critical role in ensuring reliable supply chains for clinics that serve Medicaid and Title X patients. The funding will be used to complete the development of a novel contraceptive product, specifically designed to address the needs of marginalized communities and the more than 19 million women living in contraceptive deserts. “Access to quality reproductive healthcare has never been more critical. We are excited to partner with these esteemed foundations to further the Afaxys mission and ensure that access to reproductive healthcare is a right, not a privilege,” said Ronda Dean, CEO of Afaxys, Inc.

About Afaxys

Afaxys, a Public Benefit Corporation, uniquely partners with public health and private industry to ensure healthcare professionals have stable pricing and reliable access to the products and services they need to care for their patients.

The Afaxys enterprise comprises a family of companies that operate under three wholly owned subsidiaries: Afaxys Pharma, LLC, Afaxys Drug Development, LLC and Afaxys Group Services, LLC (AGS). Afaxys Pharma provides a broad portfolio of branded and generic contraceptives to the public healthcare market. Afaxys Drug Development provides development and regulatory services of pharmaceutical products with a focus on rapid and efficient launch readiness to promote Afaxys’ strategic goal of cost-conscious product commercialization. AGS is a strategic sourcing operation that negotiates favorable pricing across a broad base of products and services through its Group Purchasing Organization. For more information, visit www.afaxys.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements in this press release that are not historical facts constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined by Federal Securities laws. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to the inability to implement strategic initiatives, and the dependence on key personnel. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Afaxys, Inc. will not update forward-looking statements to reflect factual assumptions, circumstances or events that have changed after a forward-looking statement was made.

Afaxys Media Contact
Green Room Communications
gr_afaxys@grcomms.com

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.