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Metir plc announced on 11 September 2025 that it has signed a new contract with Aptamer Group plc. Under this agreement, Aptamer Group will develop Optimer® binders for the rapid detection of *Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts* for Metir's Pathogen Detector platform. Proof-of-concept data for this staged development program is expected within three months.
| Date | 11 Sept 2025 |
| Time | 07:00:07 |
| Category | Corporate updates |
| ID | 8573Y |
Metir plc
("Metir" or the "Company")
Development of Optimer® binders for rapid Cryptosporidium detection in the next-generation pathogen monitoring platform
Metir plc (AIM: MET), the leading global provider of mobile and point-of-use water and environmental testing technology, is pleased to announce that it has signed a new contract with Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA) to develop Optimer® binders for the rapid detection of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts.
Further to the Group's announcement on 14 June 2024 regarding new product development for pathogen detection in water with Aptamer Group plc, this agreement covers the creation of novel, high-affinity binders for integration into Metir's real-time Pathogen Detector platform. The platform is designed to provide continuous monitoring and early warnings of Cryptosporidium and virus contamination in water with positive responses in minutes, which would usually take several days in a laboratory. The Pathogen Detector platform complements the Group's broad suite of Modern Water's Microtox® reagents and instruments, and Microsaic Systems' mini mass spectrometer technologies.
Integration of Aptamer Group's Optimer® technology is expected to deliver substantial benefits, including faster and more reliable results using synthetic, laboratory-made binders that ensure consistency of performance. Optimers® provide highly specific detection of Cryptosporidium, reducing false positives and ensuring accurate identification of contamination. Their robustness and stability make them ideally suited to continuous monitoring in real-world water systems. The technology is also adaptable for multiplexed detection of additional pathogens. Importantly, as Optimers® are chemically manufactured rather than biologically derived, they offer a secure, scalable and reproducible supply chain.
Cryptosporidium is a common waterborne parasite that poses a significant risk to public health worldwide. The World Health Organisation cites it as a leading cause of diarrhoeal disease, while outbreaks in the UK and the USA highlight the ongoing need for robust monitoring solutions. The global water quality monitoring market is forecast to exceed US$6 billion by 20301, and the Cryptosporidium diagnostic testing market was US$289 million in 2024 and projected to reach US$496 million by 20332, creating a strong commercial opportunity for advanced detection systems helping industries, utilities, and regulators monitor safety and compliance in real-time.
Under the contract, Aptamer Group will deliver a staged programme of feasibility, isolation and optimisation work to generate Optimer® binders tailored for Metir's Pathogen Detector platform. Proof-of-concept data is expected within three months, with potential for further development into a multiplexed pathogen detection system in the future. Development and integration of the Cryptosporidium Optimer® is one of the final technical stages to commercialise the Pathogen Detector beyond its current prototype status, originally developed for Covid-19 virus detection. Several UK water companies have indicated they are interested in trialling the device when available for commercial use. This important new product line could be ready for field-testing by the end of 2026, subject to successful development and financing.
Bob Moore, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Metir, commented:
"This agreement marks another step forward in Metir's strategy to deliver next-generation, real-time water monitoring solutions. The Group's close collaboration with Aptamer Group strengthens our position in protecting public health, especially in water purity, through innovative detection technology."
Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group, added:
"We are pleased to be working with Metir on this important programme. Our Optimer® technology is ideally suited for Cryptosporidium detection, and we look forward to supporting the development of this pathogen monitoring platform."
1. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/water-quality-monitoring-systems-market-report
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Metir plc Bob Moore, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
+44 (0) 20 3657 0050 via TPI |
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Singer Capital Markets Alex Bond / Oliver Platts |
+44 (0)20 7496 3000 |
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Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Limited Andy Thacker / James Pope |
+44 (0) 20 3657 0050 |
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Northstar Communications (Investor Relations) Sarah Hollins |
+44 (0) 113 730 3896 |
About Metir
Metir plc is a leading global provider of mobile and point-of-use water and environmental testing technology. Through its two established divisions, Modern Water and Microsaic Systems, the Company develops and supplies innovative, easy-to-use solutions that deliver rapid, accurate water quality results, helping industries, utilities and regulators monitor safety and compliance in real time.
With a strong focus on data-driven insight and field-ready design, Metir's technology supports critical decision-making across sectors, including environmental monitoring, public health and industrial process management.
Headquartered in York, UK, Metir serves worldwide customers and is dedicated to advancing water testing standards through innovative, accessible solutions.
For more information, please visit https://www.metirplc.com