16 December 2025

Aptamer Group plc

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

Aptamer signs licensing agreement with Twist Bioscience

Non-exclusive license for Optimer® binder targeting the next-generation sequencing market

Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the developer of next-generation synthetic binders for the life sciences industry, is pleased to announce a first licensing agreement with Twist Bioscience, a leading synthetic biology and genomics company.

Under the terms of the agreement, Aptamer has granted Twist Bioscience a non-exclusive license for use of a proprietary enzyme-modulating Optimer® binder in both existing and future hot-start PCR, a highly precise version of the standard DNA copying process, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) products.

NGS represents a rapidly expanding market, driven by increasing applications across healthcare, agriculture, and research. The NGS market is expected to reach US$23.6bn by 2029, with a CAGR of 13.2% ¹. Twist Bioscience is a market leader in synthetic DNA and has established a strong position in NGS library preparation, making it an ideal partner for commercialising Aptamer's binder technology in this high-growth sector.

This Optimer® development project, completed in partnership with Twist Bioscience, was signed, delivered, and validated. The resulting enzyme-modulating Optimers provide precise, temperature-dependent control for both research and assays. In hot-start PCR applications, the Optimer® binder demonstrates robust performance, eliminating the need for two separate antibody reagents typically required in alternative methods.

Under the agreement, Aptamer will supply the Optimer® binder to Twist Bioscience. The partnership allows Aptamer to maximise value from its intellectual property and directly participate in the market success of products incorporating its Optimer® technology. Aptamer establishes long-term partnerships built on shared incentives and collaborative growth, ensuring sustained value creation from its innovative biotechnology assets.   

Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group, commented: "This licensing agreement with Twist Bioscience represents a significant step forward in Aptamer's strategy to build a licensing-led revenue model. It validates the commercial potential of our binders in the NGS market and provides a structure that combines upfront payments with ongoing royalties, demonstrating how our platform can deliver sustainable and recurring income streams.

"By directly supplying Twist Bioscience with Optimer® reagents, we can ensure the high quality and performance standards while embedding our technology into their NGS portfolio. Twist Bioscience is recognised globally as a leader in synthetic DNA and sequencing tools, and its scale and established customer base provide an excellent route to market for our binders. With the NGS sector showing continued growth, this partnership positions Aptamer to participate in that growth alongside a proven market leader. We look forward to supporting Twist Bioscience in expanding its sequencing solutions and to building further licensing opportunities across our technology base."

1.     https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/next-generation-sequencing-ngs-technologies-market-546.html

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About Aptamer Group

Aptamer Group is a leading developer of next-generation synthetic binders delivering innovation to the life sciences industry. The Group develops Optimer® binders, advanced molecules that work like antibodies by attaching to specific targets in the body. These binders are used in medicine, diagnostic tests, and research tools, offering benefits like high stability, reliable performance, and lower costs compared to traditional antibodies.

Aptamer operates a fee-for-service business in the US$210 billion market for antibody alternatives, working with all top 10 global pharmaceutical companies. It is also building valuable Optimer® assets with partners, aiming for future licensing revenue.

Founded in 2008, the Group listed on the London Stock Exchange AIM market in December 2021 and is headquartered in York, UK.

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About Twist Bioscience

https://www.twistbioscience.com