Aptamer Group (LSE:APTA) has begun a funded research collaboration with Imperial College London aimed at adapting its proprietary folic acid Optimer binders for use in rapid lateral flow tests designed to measure folate levels in fortified foods.
The programme is supported by funding from the Gates Foundation and seeks to address the shortage of practical testing tools available for food fortification initiatives, particularly in lower-income countries. Such programmes are intended to reduce folic acid deficiency and help prevent associated birth defects, but often lack simple point-of-production methods for monitoring nutrient levels.
As part of the collaboration, Aptamer will focus on developing sample preparation techniques suitable for field deployment and validating its folic acid Optimer binders by July 2026. Once validated, the binders will be supplied to Imperial College for integration into lateral flow testing devices, with field trials and validation work expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The company has structured the agreement to create potential long-term commercial opportunities. Aptamer expects to benefit from a future licensing arrangement for the technology while also supplying Optimer binders for device manufacturing. Importantly, the group will retain ownership of its underlying intellectual property, preserving the potential for future applications and recurring revenue streams.
Management believes the collaboration could strengthen Aptamer’s position in the global diagnostics market while demonstrating the versatility of its Optimer technology in addressing public health challenges.
Despite the strategic potential of the project, Aptamer’s outlook remains constrained by weak financial performance, including a significant decline in revenue, ongoing losses and negative cash flow. Technical indicators also remain under pressure, with the shares trading below major moving averages and momentum measures remaining weak despite signs of oversold conditions. Valuation support remains limited due to negative earnings and the absence of a dividend.
More about Aptamer Group Plc
Aptamer Group plc is a life sciences company focused on the development of synthetic affinity binders known as Optimers. These proprietary molecules are designed for use across diagnostics, therapeutics and research applications, offering an alternative to traditional antibodies. The company works with academic and commercial partners to incorporate its Optimer technology into diagnostic assays, lateral flow devices and other analytical platforms.
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