REG - Aptamer Group PLC - Update on progress in Unilever partnership

AptamerAnnouncement

08/07/2024 07:15

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RNS Number : 4042V  Aptamer Group PLC  08 July 2024

     08 July 2024

 

Aptamer Group plc

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

Update on progress in Unilever partnership

 

Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the developer of novel Optimer(®) binders to
enable innovation in the life sciences industry, is providing an update on the
partnership with Unilever to deliver Optimer binders for cosmetic
applications.

 

In 2022, Aptamer initiated a partnership with Unilever for the development of
Optimer binders with the aim of treating malodour in personal care products.
Following successful Optimer development, the binders have been rigorously
tested at both Aptamer Group and Unilever showing highly positive and
reproducible results, indicating their potential for use in downstream
products.

 

Based on these results, a patent was submitted on 28 March 2024, to protect
the developed Optimer binders and give Aptamer Group precedence for the
protection of the intellectual property.

 

Work to test the Optimer binders is ongoing in Unilever's labs. Unilever plans
to conduct on-person functionality studies in the second half of 2024.

 

The global deodorant market alone was valued at $25.6 billion in 2023, with
Unilever being the market leader as the largest antiperspirant and deodorant
manufacturer in the world.

 

It is anticipated that this project will be completed over the next two years,
and if successful, could result in Aptamer licensing the Optimer binders to
Unilever.

 

Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Technical Officer of Aptamer Group, said: "I'm pleased
to provide this update on our work with Unilever. The early success we have
seen to date in evaluating our Optimers that aim to treat malodour has been
promising. We are excited to support our partners at Unilever in advancing
these binders to the next stage of development with on-person functionality
studies. Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) like personal care products can
progress to market more rapidly than diagnostics or therapeutic products.
Optimers offer advantages such as stability, shelf life and consistent
manufacturability making them ideal molecules for FMCG / cosmetic
applications.  If the Optimer binders continue to progress through the
testing and manufacturing stages in Unilever's hands, then we anticipate the
completion of this project within two years."

 

- 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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