Aptamer Group & AstraZeneca Forge Alliance For Precision siRNA Delivery

Aptamer Group plc, known for pioneering Optimer binders in the life sciences sector, has unveiled a new collaboration with AstraZeneca, a global leader in biopharmaceuticals. The partnership aims to assess Aptamer’s Optimer fibrotic liver delivery vehicles for targeted siRNA delivery.

Building on promising early results, the research will advance to evaluate Optimer's non-viral delivery capabilities with AstraZeneca's siRNA. Aptamer Group will conduct initial experiments to gauge the vehicle's efficacy in fibrotic liver cells. Successful outcomes will pave the way for in-depth animal model studies, aiming to showcase the technology's potential for AstraZeneca's evaluation.

Efficient delivery of siRNA to specific cells remains a formidable challenge in therapeutic applications, despite the siRNA market exceeding $13 billion in 2023. Optimer technology offers a promising solution, leveraging its selective targeting, high affinity, and straightforward siRNA conjugation. This advancement could redefine siRNA delivery, potentially leading to novel therapeutic compounds with superior targeting precision compared to current methods.

Dr. Arron Tolley, Chief Technical Officer of Aptamer Group, said We are really excited to work with AstraZeneca to evaluate and optimize our Optimer delivery vehicles. Our initial dataset in Optimer targeted delivery has raised significant interest from multiple parties. We are eager to advance to animal model testing and delighted to continue collaborating with AstraZeneca in this endeavour. Reaching proof of principle in animal models will derisk the Optimer delivery platform and bring us closer to delivering targeted and effective gene therapies for patients.”