Aptamer Group Introduces Targeted Radiopharmaceutical Program

Aptamer Group plc, a developer of next generation synthetic binders for the life sciences industry, has launched a new targeted radiopharmaceutical program in collaboration with Radiopharmium Ltd, a UK-based specialist consultancy in radiopharmaceutical development.

A key challenge in radiopharmaceuticals is maintaining the stability of the targeting molecule once it is carrying a radioactive payload. Aptamer’s data indicates that Optimer-based radioligands may offer improved stability compared to existing approaches, which could translate into practical advantages in manufacturing, distribution, and clinical use, subject to further validation.

Aptamer has previously developed fully integrated radioligand conjugates incorporating proprietary chemistry, linkers, and chelation systems, and evaluated their stability under clinically relevant conditions using Ga-68 (Gallium-68) and Lu-177 (Lutetium-177), radioactive isotopes widely used in cancer imaging and targeted therapy.

In comparative testing at 24 hours, Lu-177 Optimer-based radioligands demonstrated only 8% degradation in the absence of protective additives, compared with 34–83% degradation seen with leading peptide comparators under the same conditions. The company believes these results may support extended shelf life, reduced waste, and simplified logistics, offering a potentially differentiated profile relative to existing approaches.

Dr. Arron Tolley, CEO of Aptamer Group, said, “We are excited to launch this program in a high growth field where the limitations of existing targeting technologies create a compelling opportunity for our Optimer platform.”

Program Development

Three strategic therapeutic targets, representing high-value clinical conditions, have been identified for Optimer radioconjugate development. The program will progress through in vitro validation before advancing to in vivo studies assessing targeting and therapeutic performance.

The program will be led by Dr. Louis Allott, CEO of Radiopharmium Ltd and a member of Aptamer’s Scientific Advisory Board. Allott is a recognized expert in radiopharmaceutical development, with experience spanning laboratory discovery through to clinical translation. He will take a fractional role as Director of Radioligand Development for Aptamer, overseeing radiochemical conjugation and biological evaluation in established preclinical models.

“I am delighted to be working with Aptamer, a recognized leader in the field of aptamer technology with a strong track record of success,” Allott remarked. “The combination of Aptamer’s innovative Optimer platform and Radiopharmium’s expertise in radiopharmaceutical development makes this collaboration well positioned to demonstrate the potential of aptamer-based targeting in next generation radiopharmaceuticals.”