Rapid testing programme for fortified foods
Aptamer Group plc has initiated a new, funded research program with Imperial College London, supported by the Gates Foundation, to develop rapid testing kits for monitoring food fortification with folic acid. The company has contracted an upfront fee to develop sample preparation methods and supply its folic acid Optimer® binders for incorporation into lateral flow devices, with potential for a commercial license fee upon successful field validation and ongoing supply revenue. This initiative aims to address the lack of rapid test kits for folate levels in fortified foods, particularly in lower-income countries, and is expected to see in-house validation completed by July 2026, with field-based validation anticipated by the end of 2026.
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Collaboration with Imperial College London to translate Aptamer's folic acid Optimers into rapid testing kit for monitoring food fortification
Programme supported by the Gates Foundation
Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the developer of next‑generation synthetic binders for the life sciences industry, is pleased to announce a new funded research programme with Imperial College London, supported by the Gates Foundation.
Aptamer has contracted an upfront fee to develop field-compatible sample preparation and extraction methods using its existing folic acid Optimer® binders, and to supply those binders to the Güder Research Group in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London for incorporation into lateral flow devices.
Aptamer has proposed a further commercial licence fee upon successful field validation of the assay, enabling the programme to provide these lateral flow devices globally. Beyond this, Aptamer anticipates additional commercial value through an ongoing supply of Optimer® materials for device manufacture.
Folic acid deficiency is a leading preventable cause of serious birth defects, such as Spina Bifida. Many lower-income countries rely on food fortification programmes as a primary public health intervention. However, no rapid test kits currently exist for measuring folate levels in fortified foods at the point of production. This programme aims to address that unmet need, developing an affordable, field-deployable solution capable of operating without cold chain infrastructure or specialist equipment in the food processing facilities where fortification takes place.
The programme will investigate the suitability of Aptamer's existing proprietary Optimer® binders for folic acid to develop an affordable, field-deployable lateral flow test for monitoring folate levels in fortified foods in developing countries, with potential for commercial application of Aptamer's existing intellectual property.
Aptamer expects to complete its in-house validation work in July 2026, at which point validated Optimer® binders will be transferred to Imperial College London. Imperial College London will then lead the incorporation of the validated binders into lateral flow tests, with field-based validation anticipated by the end of 2026.
Aptamer will supply Optimer® material throughout the development phase and potential ongoing supply to support ongoing device manufacture following successful field deployment. Aptamer retains full ownership of its Optimer® IP with no rights ceded.
Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group, commented: "We look forward to collaborating with Imperial College London and the Gates Foundation on this critical initiative. Our Optimer® technology offers a powerful tool for improving food quality monitoring in resource-limited settings. Together, we aim to deliver a practical solution that can have a meaningful impact on maternal and child health worldwide".
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