RCS - Aptamer Group PLC - Technical Feasibility for Pathogen Detector

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RNS Number : 2434T  Aptamer Group PLC  17 February 2026

 

17 February 2026

 

Aptamer Group plc

 

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

 

Technical Feasibility for Pathogen Detector

Milestone achieved under Metir plc collaboration agreement

 

Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the developer of next-generation synthetic
binders for the life sciences industry, is pleased to announce the successful
completion of Phase 1 of its collaboration with Metir plc ("Metir") (AIM:
MET), achieving the agreed technical feasibility objectives for the
development of novel Optimer® binders for integration into Metir's real-time,
continuous Pathogen Detector platform.

 

As announced on 11 September 2025, Aptamer entered into a contract with Metir
to develop novel Optimer® binders targeting the rapid detection within
minutes of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts in water, for potential
incorporation into Metir's continuous pathogen detection system.

 

Phase 1 Technical Milestone Achieved

Completed on time and on budget, Phase 1 work has met the agreed technical
objectives, demonstrating the feasibility of developing high-affinity
Optimer® binders suitable for potential use within Metir's Pathogen Detector
system. The programme has confirmed that Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts can
be reliably identified and handled using Aptamer's proprietary selection
technology.

 

Importantly, no material technical barriers were identified during this
initial feasibility phase. The results provide confidence in progressing to
Phase 2, which will focus on full Optimer® selection, optimisation and
further validation work.

 

Pathway to Proof of Concept and Commercial Device

Under the collaboration agreement, Aptamer will now continue to support Metir
in Phase 2 of the programme, designed to finalise the Cryptosporidium
Optimer® development for commercial use, which is expected to be completed in
Q2 2026. Subject to successful optimisation and validation, Metir intends to
progress towards development of a Proof of Concept operational device for
field testing, currently targeted for H2 2026, followed by commercial launch
in early 2027.

 

Metir's Pathogen Detector platform has been designed as a market first to
enable real-time, continuous water quality monitoring with rapid
identification, within minutes, of targeted pathogen contamination,
eliminating turnaround times needed for conventional laboratory-based testing
methods. The in-line testing live data platform is intended to complement
Metir's existing Microtox® water monitoring portfolio and expand its
addressable market into continuous biological pathogen detection.

 

Cryptosporidium is one of the most common waterborne pathogens.
Recent Cryptosporidium incidents impacting public health in the UK have
highlighted the operational, financial and reputational impact contamination
events can have on water utilities and other organisations, reinforcing the
need for fast response, robust and real-time monitoring systems. The
Cryptosporidium diagnostic testing market stood at approximately US$1.2
billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach US$2.5 billion by 2033.¹

 

The Company believes this collaboration demonstrates the commercial potential
of Optimer® technology within advanced, continuous detection systems that
support regulatory compliance, operational resilience and public health
protection.

 

Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group plc, commented:

 

"The delivery of Phase 1 marks an important step in our collaboration with
Metir and the development of its innovative Pathogen Detector platform. We
look forward to supporting them further on this work as the programme moves
into Phase 2."

 

Bob Moore, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Metir, added:

 

"We are pleased to confirm the successful completion of Phase 1 of our
collaboration with Aptamer and congratulate the project team on their
excellent work. The results validate the technical approach underpinning our
groundbreaking Pathogen Detector platform and demonstrate the feasibility of
integrating Optimer® technology into a continuous rapid detection system.

 

This milestone provides a clear pathway to further optimisation and, subject
to successful Phase 2 development, progression towards a Proof of Concept
device for field testing followed by a final design commercial device."

1.
https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/cryptosporidium-diagnostic-testing-market/ (https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/cryptosporidium-diagnostic-testing-market/)

 

- Ends -

 

For further information, please contact:

 

 Aptamer Group plc                                               +44 (0) 1904 217 404 

 Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer
 SPARK Advisory Partners Limited - Nominated Adviser             +44 (0) 20 3368 3550 

 Andrew Emmott  
 Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Limited - Broker                  +44 (0) 20 3657 0050 

 Andrew Thacker / Guy McDougall
 Northstar Communications Limited - Investor Relations           +44 (0) 113 730 3896

 Sarah Hollins

 

About Aptamer Group

 

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

 

Aptamer operates a fee‑for‑service business in the global market for
antibody alternatives, working with leading pharmaceutical and life‑science
companies, including all of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies. It is
also building a portfolio of Optimer® assets with partners, aiming to
generate future licensing and royalty revenues.

 

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

 

To register for news alerts by email go to
https://aptamergroup.com/investors/investor-news-email-alerts/
(https://aptamergroup.com/investors/investor-news-email-alerts/)

 

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