REG - Aptamer Group PLC - Additional work commissioned by Unilever

AptamerAnnouncement

21/07/2025 07:00

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RNS Number : 7215R  Aptamer Group PLC  21 July 2025

 

21 July 2025

 

Aptamer Group plc

 

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

 

Additional work commissioned by Unilever

New paid work package supports further testing and development of deodorant
Optimers

 

Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the leading developer of next-generation
synthetic binders delivering innovation to the life science industry, is
pleased to announce that additional paid work has been commissioned by the
global consumer goods company, Unilever, under the existing collaboration
agreement between the two companies. The new work supports the ongoing
development of Optimers as active ingredients for use in deodorant products.

 

Aptamer's proprietary deodorant Optimers are precision-engineered to target
and inhibit C-S Lyase, the key enzyme in skin bacteria responsible for
generating body odour. Initial laboratory evaluations have demonstrated
outstanding efficacy in preventing odour formation, with recent end-of-2024
testing confirming exceptional stability in skin samples over 72 hours -
matching or exceeding the longevity performance of market-leading deodorants,
with an anticipated clean safety profile.

 

Launched in 2022, this collaborative programme has now progressed to an
expanded phase, supported by an additional undisclosed payment from Unilever.
The enhanced scope includes comprehensive testing under diverse conditions,
with a focus on advanced stability assessments to pave the way for imminent
on-person functionality trials. This milestone underscores the growing
confidence in Optimer technology's potential to deliver superior, targeted
solutions in personal care.

 

Unilever commands over 30 per cent. of the global deodorant market, compared
to 10 per cent. for its nearest competitor. With the sector expected to grow
at a CAGR of 4.5 per cent. over the next five years, the commercial
opportunity for Aptamer in personal care is significant.

 

Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group, said:

 

"We are thrilled with the continued momentum in our Unilever collaboration,
which highlights the real-world potential of our Optimer platform. This latest
paid extension for expanded stability testing is a critical advancement toward
on-person trials and validates the superior performance we have achieved so
far.

 

"Partnering with a powerhouse like Unilever not only accelerates our
technology's path to market but also opens doors to broader applications in
personal care and beyond. We are optimistic about the value this creates for
shareholders as we drive toward commercialisation to capture a share of this
expansive 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 / Jade Bayat 
 Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Limited - Broker                  +44 (0) 20 3657 0050 

 James Pope / Andrew Thacker 
 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
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.

 

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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