LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - Aptamer Group said Thursday that it has signed a new contract with Metir to develop synthetic Optimer binders for rapid cryptosporidium detection in Metir's next-generation water pathogen monitoring platform.
The AIM-traded company said the agreement would see it create high-affinity binders for integration into Metir's real-time Pathogen Detector, which is designed to provide continuous water quality monitoring and detect contamination within minutes, compared with conventional lab tests that can take days.

Aptamer said the collaboration demonstrated the adaptability of its Optimer technology, which offers robust, scalable synthetic binders with high specificity and stability, and could be tailored for multiplexed detection of multiple pathogens.

The staged programme would deliver feasibility, isolation and optimisation work, with proof-of-concept data expected within three months, potentially paving the way for initial trials by UK water companies.

"We are pleased to be working with Metir on this important programme," said chief executive Dr Arron Tolley.

"Our Optimer technology is ideally suited for Cryptosporidium detection, and we look forward to supporting the development of this pathogen monitoring platform/"

Metir chief executive Bob Moore said the deal "marks another step forward in Metir's strategy to deliver next-generation, real-time water monitoring solutions," adding that the collaboration "strengthens our position in protecting public health, especially in water purity, through innovative detection technology."

At 1415 BST, shares in Aptamer Group were up 1.81% at 1.12p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.

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