23 December 2025

Aptamer Group plc

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

Aptamer signs licensing agreement with Alphazyme

Non-exclusive OEM license for enzyme-modulating Optimer

Royalty payments on product sales plus milestone and manufacturing revenues

Second licensing deal demonstrates commercial validation of Optimer® platform

Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the developer of next-generation synthetic binders for the life sciences industry, and Alphazyme LLC (Alphazyme), a Maravai LifeSciences (NASDAQ: MRVI) company and global provider of specialty enzymes used in the life sciences sector, have entered into a licensing agreement for a developed Optimer® for use in hot-start PCR applications.

This binder acts as a precise molecular control mechanism in hot-start DNA amplification, a widely used laboratory technique in which the key enzyme is kept inactive at lower temperatures and only switches on when heated. This prevents unwanted DNA copying early in the process, leading to much more accurate and reliable results in applications such as genetic testing, diagnostic assays, and library preparation for next-generation sequencing (NGS), the high-throughput technology that allows rapid and cost-effective analysis of millions of DNA fragments in parallel.

Agreement advances product portfolio for both companies

Under the terms of the agreement, Aptamer grants Alphazyme a non-exclusive licence for use of an enzyme-modulating Optimer® in hot-start PCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications within Alphazyme's own products and services. The agreement provides worldwide rights to Alphazyme and includes royalty payments on sales of products, milestone payments, and a supply agreement for the manufacturing of the Optimer®. Aptamer will manufacture the Optimer® for Alphazyme, providing quality assurance and supply chain security whilst generating additional manufacturing revenue.

Rapid progression from development to licence

Aptamer and Alphazyme originally signed a development agreement for the hot-start PCR Optimer® in June 2024, with delivery of the final product in December 2024. Alphazyme demonstrated successful performance in its laboratory tests, showing temperature-sensitive control of the enzyme's exonuclease and polymerase activities. The Optimer® achieves what typically requires two antibodies, offering performance enhancement and cost advantages.

Following this success, a second Optimer® development programme for enzyme modulation has been initiated with Alphazyme to broaden the customer's product portfolio. This project has recently completed the development phase, with candidate molecules having been delivered to Alphazyme for internal testing with positive results in the customer's hands.

Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group, commented: "We are delighted to announce the signing of this licensing agreement with Alphazyme. This second enzyme modulation licensing agreement validates both the technical performance and commercial appeal of Optimer® technology in the molecular biology market. One of the standout features is the ability of our product to replace two antibodies with a single product, offering significant performance and manufacturing advantages, which will drive further licensing opportunities on successful technical validation of the second project.  

"We look forward to building on the relationship with Alphazyme through our ongoing development programmes, which will provide the opportunity for further licensing of our Optimer® technology."

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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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