REG - Metir PLC - Technical Feasibility for Pathogen Detector

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RNS Number : 2402T  Metir PLC  17 February 2026

 
17 February 2026

 

Metir plc

 

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

 

Technical Feasibility for Pathogen Detector

Milestone achieved under Aptamer Group collaboration agreement

 

Metir plc (AIM: MET), the leading global provider of fast-response, mobile and
point-of-use water and environmental monitoring technologies, is pleased to
announce the successful completion of Phase 1 of its collaboration with
Aptamer Group plc ("Aptamer") (AIM: APTA), achieving the agreed technical
feasibility objectives for the development of novel Optimer® binders for
integration into Metir's real-time, continuous Pathogen Detector platform.

 

As announced on 11 September 2025, Metir entered into a contract with Aptamer
to develop novel Optimer® binders targeting the rapid detection within
minutes of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts in water, for potential
incorporation into Metir's continuous pathogen detection system.

 

Phase 1 Technical Milestone Achieved

Completed on time and on budget, Phase 1 work has met the agreed technical
objectives, demonstrating the feasibility of developing high-affinity
Optimer® binders suitable for potential use within Metir's Pathogen Detector
system. The programme has confirmed that Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts can
be reliably identified and handled using Aptamer's proprietary selection
technology.

 

Importantly, no material technical barriers were identified during this
initial feasibility phase. The results provide confidence in progressing to
Phase 2, which will focus on full Optimer® selection, optimisation and
further validation work.

 
Pathway to Proof of Concept and Commercial Device

Metir will now continue to work with Aptamer on Phase 2 of the programme,
designed to finalise the Cryptosporidium Optimer® development for commercial
use, which is expected to be completed in Q2 2026. Subject to successful
optimisation and validation, the Company intends to progress towards
development of a Proof of Concept operational device for field testing,
currently targeted for H2 2026, followed by commercial launch in early 2027.

 

The Pathogen Detector platform has been designed as a market first to enable
real-time, continuous water quality monitoring with rapid identification,
within minutes, of targeted pathogen contamination, eliminating turnaround
times needed for conventional laboratory-based testing methods. The in-line
testing live data platform will complement the Company's existing Microtox®
water monitoring portfolio and expand its addressable market into continuous
biological pathogen detection.

 

Cryptosporidium is one of the most common waterborne pathogens.
Recent Cryptosporidium incidents damaging public health in the UK have
highlighted the operational, financial and reputational impact contamination
events can have on water utilities and other organisations, reinforcing the
need for fast response, robust and real-time monitoring systems. The Pathogen
Detector's groundbreaking technology will be well placed to enter the
Cryptosporidium diagnostic testing market, which stood at US$1.2 billion in
2024 and is forecast to reach US$2.5 billion by 2033¹.

 

The Company believes this represents a significant commercial opportunity for
advanced, continuous detection systems that support regulatory compliance,
operational resilience and public health protection. Several UK water
companies have expressed preliminary interest in trialling a Proof of Concept
device. With several hardware prototypes already produced, a commercial device
specifically using the refined Cryptosporidium Optimer® will follow, subject
to successful completion of the ongoing development and validation stages.

 

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

 

"We are pleased to confirm the successful completion of Phase 1 of our
collaboration with Aptamer and congratulate the project team on their
excellent work. The results validate the technical approach underpinning our
groundbreaking Pathogen Detector platform and demonstrate the feasibility of
integrating Optimer® technology into a continuous rapid detection system.

 

This milestone provides a clear pathway to further optimisation and, subject
to successful Phase 2 development, progression towards a Proof of Concept
device for field testing followed by a final design commercial device."

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

 

"The delivery of Phase 1 marks an important step in our collaboration with
Metir and the development of its innovative Pathogen Detector platform. We
look forward to supporting them further on this work as the programme moves
into Phase 2."

 

1.
https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/cryptosporidium-diagnostic-testing-market/ (https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/cryptosporidium-diagnostic-testing-market/)

 

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Enquiries:

 

 Metir plc                                                   +44 (0) 20 3657 0050

 Bob Moore, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer   via TPI

 SPARK Advisory Partners Limited                             +44 (0)20 3368 3550

(Nominated Adviser)

 Andrew Emmott / James Keeshan

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

(Broker)

 Andrew Thacker / Guy McDougall

 

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

 Sarah Hollins

 

About Metir

 

Metir plc is a leading global provider of several fast-response, mobile and
point-of-use water and environmental monitoring technologies. Through its two
established trading divisions, Modern Water and Microsaic Systems, a
specialist in mobile PFAS monitoring, the Company develops and supplies
innovative, easy-to-use solutions that deliver rapid, accurate water and
liquids 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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