REG - Aptamer Group PLC - Alzheimer’s test advanced and royalty agreement

AptamerAnnouncement

06/05/2025 07:00

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RNS Number : 4345H  Aptamer Group PLC  06 May 2025

 

6 May 2025

 

Aptamer Group plc

 

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

 

Alzheimer's test advanced and royalty agreement

 

Optimer-based test converted to common hospital format

New test format enhances commercialisation potential

Neuro-Bio agreement includes an 11.1% blended royalty rate on sales of
clinical diagnostics

 

Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the leading developer of next-generation
synthetic binders delivering innovation to the life science industry, is
pleased to announce the successful adaptation of the Optimer-based test for
Alzheimer's disease into an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), a
format widely accepted and used in hospital laboratories.

 

Aptamer has also finalised a royalty agreement with its development partner,
Neuro-Bio Ltd. Under the agreed terms, Aptamer is eligible to receive royalty
payments with a blended royalty rate of 11.1% on the first £166 million of
sales, with 5% thereafter for a 15-year term starting at first commercial
sales across this diagnostic format. The partners estimate developing and
validating a prototype ELISA assay over the next 12-18 months for transfer to
a manufacturer or distributor.

 

This advance in test development follows the recent demonstration of an
Optimer-based biosensor test that showed a statistically significant
difference in levels of a novel Alzheimer's disease biomarker between saliva
samples from Alzheimer's patients and healthy patient controls. Initial
in-house validation of the plate-based ELISA assay at Aptamer has shown
accurate detection of the biomarker over a clinically relevant range and
compatibility with saliva for convenient patient sampling.

 

Further development efforts are being made to clinically validate the new test
format. To capitalise on the potential of this patient-friendly test for
Alzheimer's disease that uses saliva sampling, a staged diagnostic development
strategy is now underway with Neuro-Bio, which aims to maximise market access
with an initial focus on advancing the ELISA assay for widespread clinical
adoption.

 

The Alzheimer's disease diagnostic market is valued at $8.3 billion, limited
by the availability of any definitive diagnostic tests, and is expected to
rise to $19.6 billion by 2029.(1)  While several Alzheimer's diagnostics are
in development, the test being developed by Aptamer and Neuro-Bio leverages
non-invasive saliva sampling, offering a rapid, convenient and
patient-friendly approach with the potential to transform the diagnostic
market for this disease by increasing accessibility and accelerating
time-to-diagnosis.

 

Dr. Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group, commented: "I am
delighted that we have secured commercial terms with Neuro-Bio. This agreement
underscores Apatmer's model to establish ongoing revenue-generating
opportunities in high-growth markets from the Group's developed Optimer
binders across its asset portfolio.

 

Adapting the Optimer-based Alzheimer's diagnostic into a widely compatible
test format is a significant step forward in the Group's mission to bring this
test to market. The ability to integrate the test into existing hospital
systems makes it easier for hospitals to adopt, providing a faster and easier
route to market.

 

The new strategic partnership with Neuro-Bio builds on the unique technical
expertise of both companies to advance this innovative diagnostic solution
toward commercialisation."

 

Baroness Susan Greenfield, Chief Executive Officer of Neuro-Bio, commented:
"We are very excited at the progress made by the collaboration between our two
companies. The technical, innovative talent at Aptamer, when combined with our
insights and unique approach to Alzheimer's disease, holds the promise of a
real breakthrough for a major, currently unmet, clinical need. Our team has
greatly enjoyed working with the Aptamer researchers and looks forward to an
ever-closer relationship going forward."

 

1. Grand View Research. Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostics Market Size, Share
& Trends Analysis Report By Diagnostics Technique (Biomarkers, Imaging
Techniques, Genetic Testing), By Type (Triage, Diagnosis, Screening), By
End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030. Report ID:
GVR-4-68040-323-7.

- 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 plc

 

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 $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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