Aptamer Group has entered into a strategic therapeutic development agreement with clinical-stage biotechnology company Invizius to advance next-generation complement system therapies. The partnership combines Aptamer's synthetic Optimer binder technology with Invizius' H-Guard platform to develop more precise treatments for inflammatory, fibrotic, and autoimmune diseases.
Targeting a Critical Immune System Component
The complement system plays a critical role in immune response, but its dysregulation is implicated in a range of serious medical conditions. Current complement-targeting therapies often lack specificity and can result in significant side effects, creating an opportunity for more targeted approaches in a market valued at $7.1 billion in 2024.
Under the agreement terms, Aptamer will develop Optimer binders targeted to critical factors of the complement system for an undisclosed sum. These synthetic oligonucleotide-based binders are designed to help suppress unwanted immune responses across multiple diseases, with particular focus on IgA nephropathy, a serious kidney disease with limited treatment options.
Enhancing Clinical Platform Performance
Invizius' H-Guard technology, currently entering Phase 2 clinical trials, uses protein-based molecules to suppress the immune response of the complement system. The integration of Optimer technology is expected to make the therapy safer, more precise, and less likely to cause side effects compared to existing protein-based approaches.
"This partnership with Invizius is a strong strategic fit with our licensing-led growth model," said Dr. Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group. "By integrating our Optimer technology into their H-Guard platform, we are not only advancing the therapeutic potential of complement system modulation but also building valuable Optimer assets that support future licensing opportunities."
Technical Advantages of Synthetic Binders
Optimers offer several key advantages over protein-based therapeutics, including enhanced specificity, biological stability, and reduced immunogenicity. These properties are expected to improve both the safety and precision of Invizius' H-Guard platform while potentially reducing treatment-related side effects for patients.
The selection of Aptamer was based on the company's proven track record in delivering high-performance binders under application-relevant conditions. Aptamer will retain intellectual property rights for the developed binders, strengthening its proprietary portfolio and enabling potential future licensing and commercialization opportunities.
Strategic Market Positioning
Dr. Magnus Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer of Invizius, emphasized the therapeutic potential of the collaboration: "Partnering with Aptamer Group on this development programme allows us to leverage their Optimer technology and our H-Guard technology to manufacture highly specific, biologically stable, non-immunogenic aptamers for targeting the complement system in several high-value therapeutic indications, including IgA Nephropathy."
The partnership represents Aptamer's continued expansion into high-value therapeutic markets, building on recent progress in enzyme modulation and commercial validation with top-tier pharmaceutical partners. The collaboration is designed to generate long-term shareholder value through royalty and licensing income while advancing treatment outcomes for patients with complement system dysregulation.
