Aptamer reports success in ongoing work with Unilever

Aptamer Group, a developer of novel ‘Optimer’ binders for the life sciences industry, updated the market on its ongoing partnership with Unilever on Monday, aimed at creating Optimer binders for use in cosmetic applications.

The AIM-traded firm said the collaboration, launched in 2022, was focussed on developing Optimer binders to treat malodour in personal care products.

It said the binders had undergone extensive testing at both Aptamer Group and Unilever, yielding highly positive and reproducible results, suggesting strong potential for incorporation into downstream products.

In light of the successful tests, Aptamer filed a patent on 28 March to protect the developed Optimer binders, securing the company's intellectual property rights.

Currently, testing of the Optimer binders is continuing in Unilever's laboratories, with plans to begin on-person functionality studies in the second half of 2024.

The global deodorant market, valued at $25.6bn in 2023, represented a significant opportunity, with Unilever being the largest antiperspirant and deodorant manufacturer worldwide.

Aptamer said the project was expected to finish within the next two years.

If the trials were successful, it could lead to Aptamer licensing the Optimer binders to Unilever.

“The early success we have seen to date in evaluating our Optimers that aim to treat malodour has been promising,” said chief technical officer Dr Arron Tolley.

“We are excited to support our partners at Unilever in advancing these binders to the next stage of development with on-person functionality studies.

“Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) like personal care products can progress to market more rapidly than diagnostics or therapeutic products.”

Dr Tolley said Optimers offered advantages such as stability, shelf life and consistent manufacturability making them ideal molecules for FMCG and cosmetic applications.

“If the Optimer binders continue to progress through the testing and manufacturing stages in Unilever's hands, then we anticipate the completion of this project within two years.”

At 1341 BST, shares in Aptamer Group were up 8.12% at 0.73p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.