REG - Metir PLC - New Contract with Aptamer Group

MetirAnnouncement

11/09/2025 07:00

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RNS Number : 8573Y  Metir PLC  11 September 2025

 

 

11 September 2025

 

Metir plc

 

("Metir" or the "Company")

 

New Contract with Aptamer Group

 

Development of Optimer® binders for rapid Cryptosporidium detection in the
next-generation pathogen monitoring platform

 

Metir plc (AIM: MET), the leading global provider of mobile and point-of-use
water and environmental testing technology, is pleased to announce that it has
signed a new contract with Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA) to develop Optimer®
binders for the rapid detection of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts.

 

Further to the Group's announcement on 14 June 2024 regarding new product
development for pathogen detection in water with Aptamer Group plc, this
agreement covers the creation of novel, high-affinity binders for integration
into Metir's real-time Pathogen Detector platform. The platform is designed to
provide continuous monitoring and early warnings of Cryptosporidium and virus
contamination in water with positive responses in minutes, which would usually
take several days in a laboratory. The Pathogen Detector platform complements
the Group's broad suite of Modern Water's Microtox® reagents and instruments,
and Microsaic Systems' mini mass spectrometer technologies.

 

Integration of Aptamer Group's Optimer® technology is expected to deliver
substantial benefits, including faster and more reliable results using
synthetic, laboratory-made binders that ensure consistency of performance.
Optimers® provide highly specific detection of Cryptosporidium, reducing
false positives and ensuring accurate identification of contamination. Their
robustness and stability make them ideally suited to continuous monitoring in
real-world water systems. The technology is also adaptable for multiplexed
detection of additional pathogens. Importantly, as Optimers® are chemically
manufactured rather than biologically derived, they offer a secure, scalable
and reproducible supply chain.

 

Cryptosporidium is a common waterborne parasite that poses a significant risk
to public health worldwide. The World Health Organisation cites it as a
leading cause of diarrhoeal disease, while outbreaks in the UK and the USA
highlight the ongoing need for robust monitoring solutions. The global water
quality monitoring market is forecast to exceed US$6 billion by 2030(1), and
the Cryptosporidium diagnostic testing market was US$289 million in 2024 and
projected to reach US$496 million by 2033(2), creating a strong commercial
opportunity for advanced detection systems helping industries, utilities, and
regulators monitor safety and compliance in real-time.

 

Under the contract, Aptamer Group will deliver a staged programme of
feasibility, isolation and optimisation work to generate Optimer® binders
tailored for Metir's Pathogen Detector platform. Proof-of-concept data is
expected within three months, with potential for further development into a
multiplexed pathogen detection system in the future. Development and
integration of the Cryptosporidium Optimer® is one of the final technical
stages to commercialise the Pathogen Detector beyond its current prototype
status, originally developed for Covid-19 virus detection. Several UK water
companies have indicated they are interested in trialling the device when
available for commercial use. This important new product line could be ready
for field-testing by the end of 2026, subject to successful development and
financing.

 

Bob Moore, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Metir, commented:

 

"This agreement marks another step forward in Metir's strategy to deliver
next-generation, real-time water monitoring solutions. The Group's close
collaboration with Aptamer Group strengthens our position in protecting public
health, especially in water purity, through innovative detection technology."

 

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

 

"We are pleased to be working with Metir on this important programme. Our
Optimer® technology is ideally suited for Cryptosporidium detection, and we
look forward to supporting the development of this pathogen monitoring
platform."

 

1.
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/water-quality-monitoring-systems-market-report
(https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/water-quality-monitoring-systems-market-report)

2.
https://www.marketresearchintellect.com/product/global-cryptosporidium-diagnostic-testing-market-size-forecast/?utm_source=chatgpt.com/
(https://www.marketresearchintellect.com/product/global-cryptosporidium-diagnostic-testing-market-size-forecast/?utm_source=chatgpt.com/)

 

-      Ends -

 

Enquiries:

 

 Metir plc                                                   +44 (0) 20 3657 0050

 Bob Moore, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer   via TPI

 Singer Capital Markets                                      +44 (0)20 7496 3000

(Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker)

 Alex Bond / Oliver Platts

 Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Limited                       +44 (0) 20 3657 0050

(Joint Broker)

 Andy Thacker / James Pope

 

 Northstar Communications (Investor Relations)  +44 (0) 113 730 3896

 Sarah Hollins

 

About Metir

 

Metir plc is a leading global provider of mobile and point-of-use water and
environmental testing technology. Through its two established divisions,
Modern Water and Microsaic Systems, the Company develops and supplies
innovative, easy-to-use solutions that deliver rapid, accurate water quality
results, helping industries, utilities and regulators monitor safety and
compliance in real time.

 

With a strong focus on data-driven insight and field-ready design, Metir's
technology supports critical decision-making across sectors, including
environmental monitoring, public health and industrial process management.

 

Headquartered in York, UK, Metir serves worldwide customers and is dedicated
to advancing water testing standards through innovative, accessible solutions.

 

For more information, please visit  https://www.metirplc.com
(https://www.metirplc.com)

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