Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), developer of the new Optimer® binders to enable innovation in the life sciences industry, has signed an agreement with Timser Group, a pharmaceutical company focused on women’s health, with a deal value of up to £465,000.
Under the terms of the agreement, Aptamer Group will develop Optimer ligands for Timser’s patented cervical cancer biomarker panel – a three-protein signature that can be used to detect cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. Optimers will power the world’s first cervical cancer blood test, avoiding invasive smear tests and providing earlier, more sensitive diagnoses.
Optimer ligand pairs will be developed for each of the three biomarker proteins that form the unique signature of cervical cancer. Timser will receive a license to use Optimers in its specific test combination, patented in 21 countries, including the USA.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in women worldwide. Current screening methods are based on invasive Pap tests (PAP) with relatively low sensitivity. Timser diagnostics enabled by Optimer will enable early detection at the precancerous lesion stage, which is associated with increased survival. Using a blood test instead of the traditional Pap smear will offer the potential to increase detection rates while improving acceptance due to the less invasive testing method.
As Timser expands its diagnostic testing in diverse markets, including low-income countries, Optimer binders offer advantages to support continued supply and quality. With superior shelf life and improved temperature stability compared to antibodies, Optimer binders facilitate global distribution of tests without compromising quality or performance. Timser’s previous attempts to develop antibodies to support the test failed due to problems with variability in antibody batches and supply chains. Unlike antibodies, Optimer binders are chemically manufactured, providing consistent quality, with the potential for use by multiple manufacturers, both locally and globally, to avoid supply chain issues.
We are delighted to partner with the Timser Group to facilitate their innovative cancer diagnostics with Optimer ligands. This agreement demonstrates the growing recognition of the Optimer platform for providing high-quality affinity ligands. We believe the implementation of Optimer technology will enable our partners to overcome previous issues faced with antibody variability and supply chains, and we look forward to providing much-needed improvements to cervical cancer testing.”
Dr. Arron Tolley, Technical Director of the Aptamer Group
We are equally excited about this collaboration with the Aptamer Group. The potential for Optimer ligands to increase the accuracy and reliability of our cancer diagnostic tests is truly promising. By integrating this advanced technology, we are confident in our ability to overcome the limitations of traditional antibodies and improve outcomes for patients undergoing cervical cancer screening. We look forward to a successful partnership and witnessing the impact this new technology will have for women around the world.”
Mercedes Gutierrez, CEO of the TIMSER Group
