Aptamer Group plc

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

Director Appointment

Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the developer of novel Optimer^® binders to enable innovation in the life sciences industry, announces the appointment of Tim Sykes to its Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Director with immediate effect.

Tim is an experienced executive and non-executive director, having been CEO and, previously, CFO of Proactis Holdings PLC between 2006 and 2022 and having served as fractional or transitionary CFO at Avacta Group plc, Altitude Group, and Eleco plc.  Tim currently serves as Non-Executive Director at Data Connect Group Limited and as fractional CFO at Rio AI Limited.  Tim is a qualified chartered accountant, and at Aptamer Group he is Chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Remuneration Committee.

Dr Adam Hargreaves, Chair of the Board of Aptamer Group, commented: "As we refocus the Group to capitalise on the Optimer assets that have been developed, it is important that the Aptamer Board has the right commercial, financial and operational expertise to support this. We are excited to welcome Tim to the Board, confident that his insights will be invaluable in shaping our capital market strategy and enhancing the financial management of the business."

Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group, added: "With our platform technologies gaining traction and strong performance validation across the life sciences and healthcare sectors, we are evolving our Board to align with the strategic needs of the company. Tim's extensive experience in managing AIM-listed companies will be a crucial asset as we continue to grow."

Tim Sykes, Non-Executive Director of Aptamer Group, said: "I'm delighted to be joining the Board of Aptamer Group at this critical time for the Company, where the focus on strategic Optimer assets represents a potential significant value inflection point. I look forward to collaborating with the Board and management team at Aptamer, leveraging my experience to contribute to the Company's strategic direction and future success."

Additional disclosures regarding Mr Sykes' appointment

The following details in relation to the appointment of Timothy James Sykes, aged 54, are disclosed in accordance with Schedule 2(g) of the AIM Rules:

In 2018, Mr Sykes was a director of Penta Financial Direction Limited when it was liquidated with no loss to creditors.

In 2017, Mr Sykes was a director of Proactis Total Procure Limited, which was a Proactis joint venture in India, when it was compulsorily struck off having ceased to trade.

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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.