Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the developer of novel Optimer^® binders to enable innovation in the life sciences industry, announces that admission of its Ordinary Shares to trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange commenced at 8:00 a.m. today, 22 December 2021, under the ticker APTA and ISIN GB00BNRRP542.

Aptamer is a leader in the provision of aptamer discovery services and the development of aptamer-based reagents. The Group solves intractable problems for biotech and big pharma by developing molecular binders called aptamers, as an alternative to antibodies which fail to perform 50% – 60% of the time. Led by an experienced team, Aptamer has developed novel, proprietary aptamer technology, known as Optimer^® binders, which offer further performance and commercial benefits in addition to those of standard aptamers.

Aptamer operates across three life science sectors: custom services (research and bioprocessing tools), diagnostics and therapeutics. The Group has an existing blue-chip customer base and has supplied or collaborated with 75% of the global top 20 pharmaceutical companies and has seen organic revenue growth of 400% over the past four years, with upfront deal values ranging from £50,000 to £3.8 million.

Aptamers are a disruptive technology and next generation affinity ligand in the well-established global antibody market, which is worth over $145.7bn per annum (2021) and expected to reach $248.9bn by 2026. The aptamer market is set to expand rapidly over the next five to 10 years into a multi-billion-dollar world-wide market and is forecast to grow at 18-28% per annum.

The Group has today completed its Placing to raise gross proceeds of £10.8 million at the Placing Price of 117 pence per share. At the Placing Price, the Company’s market capitalisation on Admission is approximately £80 million.

Liberum is acting as Sole Bookrunner and Broker and Spark Advisory Partners is acting as Nominated Adviser in relation to the Placing and Admission.

Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group, commented: “Today is an important milestone for Aptamer and I am delighted that the Group has commenced trading on AIM. This listing marks an important step in our journey as we solidify our position as the leading provider of aptamer discovery and selection services and the development of aptamer-based reagents. I would like to thank our new and existing shareholders for their support and our hard working and dedicated staff and customers for helping build Aptamer Group into the business it is today. I look forward to providing updates on our progress in the months and years ahead.”

The Company’s Admission Document is available to view on the Company’s website at: https://aptamergroup.com/investors 

For further information, please contact:

Aptamer Group plc
Dr Arron Tolley – CEO / Dr David Bunka – CTO /
Eleanor Courtman-Stock – CFO                                                 +44 (0) 1904 56 7790

Liberum Capital Limited – Sole Bookrunner and Broker
Richard Lindley / Ben Cryer / Will Hall / Cara Murphy      +44 (0) 20 3100 2000

 SPARK Advisory Partners Limited – Nominated Adviser
Andrew Emmott                                                                          +44 (0) 20 3368 3550

 Consilium Strategic Communications
Matthew Neal / Sukaina Virji / Lucy Featherstone             +44 (0) 20 3709 5700

                                                                                        aptamergroup@consilium-comms.com

About Aptamer Group plc

Aptamer Group develops custom affinity binders through its proprietary Optimer^® platform to enable new approaches in therapeutics, diagnostics and research applications. The Company strives to deliver transformational solutions that meet the needs of life science researchers and developers through the use of its proprietary Optimer platform.

Optimer binders are oligonucleotide affinity ligands that can function as an antibody alternative. The global antibody market is currently worth over $145bn. Optimer binders are engineered to address many of the issues found with alternative affinity molecules, such as antibodies, and offer new, innovative solutions to bioprocessing, diagnostic and pharmaceutical scientists.

Aptamer Group has successfully delivered projects for global pharma companies, diagnostic development companies, and research institutes covering a range of targets and applications with the objective of establishing royalty-bearing licenses. Through the unique Optimer technology and processes, scientists and collaborators are enabled to make faster, more informed decisions that support discovery and development across the Life Sciences.