Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA) announced on Wednesday that it has entered into a development and licensing agreement with a global life sciences and diagnostics company, part of a major multinational conglomerate. Under the agreement, Aptamer will create a custom Optimer-Fc reagent for use in immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays and diagnostic kits.

Fully funded by the partner, this development is expected to complete within 12 months, with a commercial product launch targeted before the end of 2025. Aptamer will earn a 2% royalty on net sales of all assay kits containing the licensed Optimer-Fc reagent, subject to standard minimum royalty thresholds.

The deal strengthens Aptamer's recurring revenue potential and extends the commercial reach of its Optimer platform in high-value diagnostic markets. Kits incorporating the Optimer-Fc reagent will be distributed through established global life sciences channels.

Aptamer Group develops next-generation synthetic binders for pharmaceutical, diagnostic and research applications, working with all top 10 global pharmaceutical companies.