REG - Aptamer Group PLC - Agreement to explore Optimer vehicles for siRNA

AptamerAnnouncement

03/07/2024 07:00

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RNS Number : 8869U  Aptamer Group PLC  03 July 2024

     1 July 2024

 

Aptamer Group plc

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

Agreement to explore Optimer vehicles for targeted delivery of siRNA

-       New collaboration will evaluate Aptamer's fibrotic liver
delivery vehicles with siRNA

 

Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the developer of novel Optimer(®) binders to
enable innovation in the life sciences industry, is pleased to announce a new
agreement with AstraZeneca, a global biopharmaceutical company, to evaluate
the Optimer fibrotic liver delivery vehicles for the targeted delivery of
siRNA.

 

Following the encouraging results achieved to-date with Aptamer's fibrotic
liver delivery vehicles, the next phase of this research will explore the
potential of the non-viral delivery vehicle and its applicability with a tool
siRNA.

 

Under the agreement, AstraZeneca will provide an siRNA to be trialled with
Aptamer's Optimer-based delivery vehicle for fibrotic liver cells. Aptamer
Group will conduct in-house experimental work to assess the effectiveness of
this delivery vehicle with the AstraZeneca's siRNA. Upon success, Aptamer
Group will progress to internally generating demonstrator data in animal
models for evaluation by AstraZeneca.

 

Delivery of siRNA to precise cell types and tissues with successful cell
internalisation remains a significant challenge for the wider therapeutic
application of the technology.  Despite this limitation, the siRNA market was
still valued at over $13 billion in 2023. Optimer technology could represent a
paradigm shift in the targeted delivery of siRNA molecules, due to the high
levels of selectivity, high affinity and simple conjugation of siRNA payloads,
offered using Optimer delivery systems as non-viral vectors. If successful
Optimer-enabled delivery of siRNA could lead to the development of novel
compounds that have significant advantages over current cell and
tissue-targeting methods.

 

Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Technical Officer of Aptamer Group, said: "We are
really excited to work with AstraZeneca to evaluate and optimise our Optimer
delivery vehicles.

"Partnerships such as this will enable Aptamer Group to make rapid progress in
this area, which is a key focus for Optimer technology. Targeted delivery to
specific cell types remains a critical unmet need in many applications within
the tissue targeting space and, as such, has been part of our strategic focus
to support the development of binders with the potential for long-term, high
value. Our initial dataset in Optimer targeted delivery has raised significant
interest from multiple parties. We are eager to advance to animal model
testing and delighted to continue collaborating with AstraZeneca in this
endeavour. Reaching proof of principle in animal models will derisk the
Optimer delivery platform and bring us closer to delivering targeted and
effective gene therapies for patients."

- ENDS -

 

For further information, please contact:

 

 

 Aptamer Group plc                                            +44 (0) 1904 217 404

 Steve Hull
 SPARK Advisory Partners Limited - Nominated Adviser          +44 (0) 20 3368 3550

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

 James Pope / Andrew Thacker

 

About Aptamer Group plc

Aptamer Group develops custom affinity binders through its proprietary
Optimer(®) platform to enable new approaches in therapeutics, diagnostics,
and research applications. The Company strives to deliver transformational
solutions that meet the needs of life science researchers and developers.

Optimer binders are oligonucleotide affinity ligands that can function as an
antibody alternative. The global affinity ligand market is currently worth
over $170 billion.

Aptamer has successfully delivered projects for a range of global pharma
companies, diagnostic development companies, and research institutes, covering
multiple application areas with the objective of establishing royalty-bearing
licenses.

 

 

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