24 January 2023

Aptamer Group plc

("Aptamer", the "Company" or the "Group")

Aptamer Group signs two substantial new contracts

-     Contracts worth over £500,000 with the potential for downstream milestone and royalty/ licensing payments

Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the developer of novel Optimer^® binders to enable innovation in the life sciences industry, announces the recent signing of two new fee-for-service contracts initially worth over £500,000, subject to the successful progression of Optimer development, with the potential for downstream milestone and royalty/licensing payments. These latest contracts are in addition to £1.0m of recognised revenue in H1, as well as the additional £1.0m in signed orders, announced in Aptamer's recent trading update.

The first contract is with BaseCure Therapeutics, a pre-clinical stage biotech company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative siRNA-based medicines. Aptamer is working with BaseCure Therapeutics to identify cell targeting Optimer binders that might be developed as potential delivery vehicles for siRNA uptake into target cells and tissues. The ability to achieve Optimer-directed targeted delivery would offer exciting new therapeutic opportunities of siRNA-mediated gene knockdown in these target cells and tissues.  

The second contract is with a developer of custom enzymes based in Asia. Aptamer will develop Optimer binders for incorporation into a biosensor to allow convenient monitoring of the ingredients in the company's manufacturing processes. As these ingredients are typically small molecule targets, antibodies often struggle to develop the required levels of selectivity to these targets. 

Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "Signing these two substantial deals is a solid start to the second half for Aptamer Group. The diverse nature of these partnerships demonstrates the broad applicability of the Optimer platform across the life science industry, from supporting improved manufacturing methods to developing new drugs and the increased need for novel antibody alternatives within the life science market. I look forward to updating the market regarding progress for these deals and new partnerships in due course."

- ENDS -

For further information, please contact:

Aptamer Group plc

Dr Arron Tolley                                                                               +44 (0) 1904 217 404

SPARK Advisory Partners Limited - Nominated Adviser  

Andrew Emmott / Adam Dawes                                                          +44 (0) 20 3368 3550

Liberum Capital Limited - Broker

Richard Lindley / Ben Cryer / Cara Murphy                                         +44 (0) 20 3100 2000

Consilium Strategic Communications

Matthew Neal / Chris Welsh / Lucy Featherstone                              +44 (0) 20 3709 5700

[email protected]

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 through the use of its proprietary Optimer platform.

Optimer binders are oligonucleotide affinity ligands that can function as an antibody alternative. The global antibody market is currently worth over $145.0 billion. Optimer binders are engineered to address many of the issues found with alternative affinity molecules, such as antibodies, and offer new, innovative solutions to bioprocessing, diagnostic and pharmaceutical scientists.

Aptamer Group has successfully delivered projects for global pharma companies, diagnostic development companies, and research institutes covering a range of targets and applications with the objective of establishing royalty-bearing licenses. Through the unique Optimer technology and processes, scientists and collaborators are enabled to make faster, more informed decisions that support discovery and development across the Life Sciences.