New Deals support novel Therapies and improved Assays

Aptamer, the developer of Optimer® binders with potential to open avenues of discovery for the life sciences industry, has announced a selection of new contract wins where its proprietary platform technology is being explored by partners to offer new strategies for therapeutics. 

These binders, oligonucleotide-based affinity ligands generated through the in vitro Optimer platform, offer benefits of ethical compliance along with ability to pursue optimised targets via 3 parallel discovery processes and screening against end-use application conditions.

Group ceo Dr Arron Tolley said: “Following the successful development and proof-of-concept of an Optimer to correct oncogenic splicing errors in Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukaemia (CMML) we have entered the second phase of our collaboration with Cancer Research UK to develop the delivery vehicle portion of the bispecific therapeutic Optimer binder for the treatment of CMML and other myeloid malignancies. This second Optimer binder will enable targeted delivery of the therapeutic molecule for improved efficacy.

“We’ve also signed a new therapeutic deal to develop Optimers to block the activity of naturally occurring antibodies within the body for use as a potential therapy to prevent transplant rejection. The Optimer binders we generate may then support the development of a companion diagnostic panel, in addition to therapeutic use.”

Since the company’s full year results, the Group’s Aptamer Solutions business was said to have seen significant progress with numerous new projects underway. 

“We are working with a biomarker services company to develop Optimer binders to support multiplex biomarker assays for mass spectrometry analysis. The Optimer-based assays will deliver increased sensitivity in identifying and analysing neurodegenerative disease biomarkers to improve clinical trial outcomes in drug development,” added Dr Tolley.

“Finally, we’ve also signed a deal with Novavax, a vaccine developer for respiratory diseases, who require Optimers to improve the selectivity and enable multiplex analysis of their QC assays.”

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