Optimer binders will be developed to support targeted genetic medicines to specific cell types

Aptamer Group plc, the developer of novel Optimer® binders to enable innovation in the life sciences industry, announces that it has entered into a material agreement with a biotechnology company developing genetic medicines.

Under the terms of the agreement, Aptamer Group will use its proprietary platform to discover Optimer binders to enable the specific targeting of genetic medicines to specific cell types. Aptamer Group will receive up to £553,000 in development fees for discovering and developing the Optimer binders. Work is expected to commence shortly subject to receiving target materials from the customer and is expected to be completed within the current financial year.

Optimer binders are a novel class of molecules for selectively targeting new biomarkers and tissues. Optimers are fully synthetic oligonucleotide molecules that offer a controlled development process, delivering high affinity and highly selective binders, which makes them attractive candidate molecules for drug delivery. The smaller size of Optimers allows for improved tissue penetration, enabling effective therapeutic delivery, while the ability to control Optimer conjugation to therapeutic payloads allows precision in therapeutic development and dosing of payloads. 

Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Technical Officer of Aptamer Group, said: “This project builds on the work we have been doing in drug delivery since being refunded and supports the need for new delivery modalities within the genetic medicines space. Targeting oligonucleotide therapeutics beyond hepatocytes remains a challenge across the industry; we believe the properties of Optimers make them suitable for developing precision-guided therapies and that Optimer-targeted therapies may represent the next stage in targeted drug delivery.”

About Aptamer Group plc

Aptamer Group develops custom affinity binders through its proprietary Optimer® platform to enable new approaches in therapeutics, diagnostics, and research applications. The Company strives to deliver transformational solutions that meet the needs of life science researchers and developers.

Optimer binders are oligonucleotide affinity ligands that can function as an antibody alternative. The global affinity ligand market is currently worth over $170 billion.

Aptamer has successfully delivered projects for a range of global pharma companies, diagnostic development companies, and research institutes, covering multiple application areas with the objective of establishing royalty-bearing licenses.