22 February 2024
Aptamer
Group plc
("Aptamer", the "Company" or the "Group")
Aptamer
and Neuro-Bio enter the second phase of Alzheimer's test
development
Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the developer of
novel Optimer® binders to enable innovation in
the life sciences industry, announces the second phase of its
on-going partnership with Neuro-Bio, an Oxfordshire-based
biotechnology company with a therapeutic focus on neurodegenerative
disease, to develop Optimer binders for a lateral flow test for the
early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
This latest phase involves
development of an additional Optimer binder against the innovative
Neuro-Bio target implicated in Alzheimer's disease, with the goal
of developing reagents for a lateral flow test for early disease
detection. Following the earlier identification of Optimer binders
to this novel Alzheimer's disease biomarker,1 these
binders have been characterised for use in lateral flow and
biosensor assays.
Common lateral flow test formats
require a pair of binders to increase diagnostic test accuracy. To
prevent the need for animal-derived antibodies in its Alzheimer's
disease diagnostic, Neuro-Bio now requires the development of
additional binders to support the lateral flow test format and
deliver a wholly Optimer-powered test. As Optimer binders are
oligonucleotide-based, rather than protein-based like antibodies,
they offer further advantages including scalability of manufacture,
improved shelf-life and tuneability benefits that will allow more
stable and specific reagents for use in lateral flow
tests.
Steve Hull, Chairman of Aptamer
Group, said: "We are very pleased to
continue our exciting relationship with Neuro-Bio to deliver the
specific Optimer binders needed to enable this revolutionary
diagnostic for this devastating disease. It is great to work with
such enthusiastic partners that understand our Optimer technology's
benefits and are actively seeking solutions to overcome the
industry's problems with antibodies."
Baroness Susan Greenfield, CEO of
Neuro-Bio, said: "At Neuro-Bio we're
thrilled at entering this next phase of development with Aptamer
Group: the first phase proved productive and very promising. Now,
this next stage takes us closer to realising a highly novel and
much needed technology for detecting neurodegenerative diseases at
a very early stage."
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE
INFORMATION.
1.
https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/APTA/aptamer-neuro-bio-to-develop-alzheimer-s-test/15997896
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For further information, please
contact:
Aptamer Group plc
Steve Hull
|
+44 (0) 1904 217 404
|
SPARK Advisory Partners Limited -
Nominated Adviser
Andrew Emmott / Mark Brady / Adam
Dawes
|
+44 (0) 20 3368 3550
|
Turner
Pope Investments
(TPI) Limited - Broker
James Pope /
Andrew Thacker
|
+44 (0) 20 3657 0050
|
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.