Business
Licensing agreement with Twist Bioscience
Aptamer Group plc has entered into a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Twist Bioscience, granting them rights to use a proprietary enzyme-modulating Optimer® binder in next-generation sequencing and hot-start PCR products. This partnership allows Aptamer to leverage its intellectual property within the rapidly expanding NGS market, projected to reach $23.6 billion by 2029. Aptamer will supply the Optimer® binder to Twist Bioscience, aiming to generate revenue through upfront payments and ongoing royalties, thereby establishing a licensing-led revenue model and participating directly in the commercial success of products incorporating its technology. Disclaimer*
About this update from Aptamer Group Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\n \n16 December 2025\nAptamer Group plc\n \n(\"Aptamer\", the \"Company\" or the \"Group\")\n \nAptamer signs licensing agreement with Twist Bioscience\nNon-exclusive license for Optimer® binder targeting the next-generation sequencing market\n \nAptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the developer of next-generation synthetic binders for the life sciences industry, is pleased to announce a first licensing agreement with Twist Bioscience, a leading synthetic biology and genomics company.\n \nUnder the terms of the agreement, Aptamer has granted Twist Bioscience a non-exclusive license for use of a proprietary enzyme-modulating Optimer® binder in both existing and future hot-start PCR, a highly precise version of the standard DNA copying process, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) products.\n \nNGS represents a rapidly expanding market, driven by increasing applications across healthcare, agriculture, and research. The NGS market is expected to reach US$23.6bn by 2029, with a CAGR of 13.2% 1. Twist Bioscience is a market leader in synthetic DNA and has established a strong position in NGS library preparation, making it an ideal partner for commercialising Aptamer's binder technology in this high-growth sector.\n \nThis Optimer® development project, completed in partnership with Twist Bioscience, was signed, delivered, and validated. The resulting enzyme-modulating Optimers provide precise, temperature-dependent control for both research and assays. In hot-start PCR applications, the Optimer® binder demonstrates robust performance, eliminating the need for two separate antibody reagents typically required in alternative methods.\n \nUnder the agreement, Aptamer will supply the Optimer® binder to Twist Bioscience. The partnership allows Aptamer to maximise value from its intellectual property and directly participate in the market success of products incorporating its Optimer® technology. Aptamer establishes long-term partnerships built on shared incentives and collaborative growth, ensuring sustained value creation from its innovative biotechnology assets. \n \nDr Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group, commented: \"This licensing agreement with Twist Bioscience represents a significant step forward in Aptamer's strategy to build a licensing-led revenue model. I...