REG - Aptamer Group PLC - Therapeutic development agreement with Invizius

AptamerAnnouncement

02/09/2025 07:00

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RNS Number : 5531X  Aptamer Group PLC  02 September 2025

 

2 September 2025

 

Aptamer Group plc

 

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

 

Aptamer signs therapeutic development agreement with Invizius

Aptamer to develop Optimer® binders targeting complement system components

Partnership aims to enhance Invizius' H-Guard® therapy for safer, more
precise treatments

Aptamer retains IP rights, supporting future licensing and commercialisation
opportunities

 

Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the developer of next-generation synthetic
binders for the life sciences industry, is pleased to announce that it has
signed a new therapeutic development agreement with Invizius, a clinical-stage
biotechnology company focused on second-generation complement system therapies
for inflammatory, fibrotic, and autoimmune diseases.

 

The complement system is a critical part of the immune response, but its
dysregulation is implicated in a range of serious conditions. Current
therapies often lack specificity and can result in significant side effects.
The global market for complement-targeting therapies was valued at US$7.1
billion in 2024, highlighting the commercial potential of more targeted
approaches.

 

Under the terms of the agreement, Aptamer will develop Optimer® binders
targeted to critical factors of the complement system for an undisclosed sum.
The targeted Optimers will help suppress unwanted immune responses in multiple
diseases, including IgA nephropathy, a serious kidney disease with limited
treatment options. Invizius' H-Guard® technology, currently entering Phase 2
clinical trials, uses protein-based molecules to help suppress the immune
response of the complement system. The use of Optimers instead could make the
therapy safer, more precise, and less likely to cause side effects.

 

Optimers are synthetic oligonucleotide-based binders that offer several
advantages over protein-based therapeutics, including enhanced specificity,
biological stability, and reduced immunogenicity. These properties are
expected to improve the safety and precision of Invizius' H-Guard® platform.

 

Invizius selected Aptamer based on its proven track record in delivering
high-performance binders under application-relevant conditions. Aptamer will
retain intellectual property rights for the developed binders, strengthening
its proprietary portfolio and enabling potential future licensing and
commercialisation opportunities.

 

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

 

"This partnership with Invizius is a strong strategic fit with our
licensing-led growth model. By integrating our Optimer® technology into their
H-Guard® platform, we are not only advancing the therapeutic potential of
complement system modulation but also building valuable Optimer® assets that
support future licensing opportunities. By working closely with the Invizius
team, we aim to develop solutions that not only improve treatment outcomes but
also reduce side effects for patients across multiple disease areas, including
IgA nephropathy.

 

Our recent progress in enzyme modulation and commercial validation with
top-tier pharmaceutical partners has demonstrated the recurring revenue
potential of our binders. This collaboration further expands our footprint in
high-value therapeutic markets and reinforces our commitment to generating
long-term shareholder value through royalty and licensing income.

 

Dr Magnus Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer of Invizius, commented:

 

"At Invizius, we have developed innovative and patented H-Guard® based
complement therapeutics that have the potential to transform the lives of
patients with dysregulated complement systems.

 

Partnering with Aptamer Group on this development programme allows us to
leverage their Optimer® technology and our H-Guard® technology to
manufacture highly specific, biologically stable, non-immunogenic aptamers for
targeting the complement system in several high-value therapeutic indications,
including IgA Nephropathy.

 

Aptamer's expertise in discovery under application-relevant conditions,
combined with their proven ability to deliver high-performance binders, makes
them an ideal partner. We are excited to initiate this development programme
as we believe that aptamers have many advantages over protein therapeutics and
will become an increasingly important therapeutic modality in the future."

 

- 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.

 

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