Aptamer Announces New Data at ASGCT

15 May 2025

Aptamer Group plc

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

Aptamer Announces New Data at ASGCT

Optimer delivery vehicle supports expansion across high-value fibrotic indications

Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the leading developer of next-generation synthetic binders delivering innovation to the life science industry, today announces new data on its Optimer therapeutic delivery vehicle for liver fibrosis. The data, developed through Aptamer's internal programme and in collaboration with AstraZeneca, highlight the delivery platform's potential for broad therapeutic application.

The latest results presented at the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA (13-17 May 2025) show the Optimer targets fibrosis in multiple tissue types and is compatible with mouse and rat animal models, which makes the transition to preclinical animal studies a simpler and faster next step.

Recent in-house studies have shown that the Optimer effectively targets fibrosis in the liver as well as the kidney, skin, lung, and heart. These findings position the asset as a highly adaptable therapeutic delivery system with broad applicability across fibrotic diseases.

This represents a significant step forward in unlocking multi-billion-dollar opportunities in areas of high unmet medical need. The delivery vehicle had previously shown the ability to deliver three different siRNA molecules, demonstrating compatibility with different therapeutic cargos. The ability to combine different therapeutic cargos with targeting to different tissues means this asset could act as a platform for the development of a range of precision therapies.

Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group, said: "These results broaden the scope of Aptamer's internal development programme, indicating our asset could address a broad range of disease areas. While fibrotic liver disease remains a major focus due to its large market size and limited treatment options, the potential to expand into pulmonary, renal, cardiac, and dermal fibrosis greatly increases the commercial scope of this delivery system.  

"With the market for liver fibrosis treatments set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 24% through 2035, driven by new drugs under development and rising disease prevalence,¹ the Group is well-positioned to capitalise on this momentum. Aptamer's ongoing collaboration with AstraZeneca continues to generate compelling data, and multiple pharmaceutical companies have initiated discussions to explore partnerships over the next few months."

1.    Delveinsight. Liver Fibrosis Market Insight, Epidemiology And Market Forecast - 2034. (2025)

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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 $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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