Aptamer initiates Ebola diagnostic test programme
Summary by AI BETAClose X
8 July 2026
Aptamer Group plc
("Aptamer", the "Company" or the "Group")
Aptamer initiates Ebola diagnostic test programme
New programme to develop rapid diagnostic test for rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain during largest outbreak on record
Leveraging Optimer® platform to deliver specific binders for virus detection
Addresses critical diagnostic gap where existing tests are insufficiently sensitive for rapid deployment
Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the developer of next‑generation synthetic binders for the life sciences industry, announces that it has commenced development of Optimer® binders for a potential rapid diagnostic test for the highly infectious Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
Fatality rates for the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola range from approximately 30% to 50%, depending on several factors, including virus strain, patient care quality, and speed of recognition and treatment. Early detection is critical to patient outcomes and outbreak containment.
A significant outbreak of Bundibugyo Ebola began in May 2026 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, representing the largest recorded outbreak of this rare strain. The World Health Organization has declared both an epidemic and a public health emergency.
Unlike the more common Zaire strain of Ebola, for which vaccines and treatments exist, the Bundibugyo strain has substantially different viral proteins, rendering existing diagnostic approaches and antibody-based detection methods insufficiently sensitive. Current diagnostic tests struggle to rapidly and reliably identify Bundibugyo, creating a critical gap in outbreak response capabilities.
Aptamer's Optimer® technology has previously demonstrated rapid responses and excellent sensitivity and specificity in diagnostic applications to support the response to infectious disease outbreaks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aptamer developed SARS-CoV-2 binders that were successfully translated into lateral flow tests, demonstrating the platform's capabilities to deliver diagnostic solutions rapidly during public health emergencies.
The global Ebola testing market was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 1.3 billion in 2026 to USD 2.3 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 8.3% from 2026 to 20331. Within this, the market in North America dominated with a revenue share of 40.9% in 2025. The global market is witnessing sustained growth due to the increasing emphasis on outbreak preparedness.
The new programme will aim to develop Optimer® binders suitable for integration into rapid, field-compatible diagnostic tests for Bundibugyo Ebola. Work has commenced immediately, with all necessary materials now on-site to enable Optimer® discovery and development.
Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group, commented: "Those following the Ebola outbreak in Sub-Saharan Africa will note the growing severity of the situation on both a human and economic level. The head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Director-General Jean Kaseya, has warned that containing this outbreak could cost billions of dollars. A critical limiting factor in response is rapid, accurate diagnosis. Existing tests lack the sensitivity needed for timely detection in field settings.
"During COVID, our platform demonstrated its ability to deliver diagnostic tools at pace to respond to infectious disease outbreaks. We are now applying that capability to develop Optimers for specific proteins of the Bundibugyo strain. With development underway in our labs, I look forward to updating shareholders as the programme progresses."
1https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/ebola-market-report
- Ends -
For further information, please contact:
|
Aptamer Group plc Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer |
+44 (0) 1904 217 404 |
|
SPARK Advisory Partners Limited - Nominated Adviser Andrew Emmott / Dillon Wall |
+44 (0) 20 3368 3550 |
|
Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Limited - Broker Andrew Thacker / Guy McDougall |
+44 (0) 20 3657 0050 |
|
Northstar Communications Limited - Investor Relations Sarah Hollins |
+44 (0) 113 730 3896 |
About Aptamer Group
Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA) develops Optimer® binders, next-generation synthetic alternatives to antibodies that offer high specificity, improved stability, lower cost and access to targets beyond the reach of conventional modalities.
The Group operates a dual-revenue model, generating near-term revenues through fee-for-service discovery programmes while building a portfolio of proprietary therapeutic assets designed to create long-term value through licensing, royalties and supply agreements.
Aptamer is strategically focused on two of the most significant challenges in modern drug development: targeting "undruggable" proteins and enabling delivery of therapeutics to tissues beyond the liver. Its proprietary Optimer® platform, supported by more than 15 years of discovery data and an expanding AI-enabled discovery engine, is designed to accelerate the identification of high-quality binders against challenging biological targets.
The Group's internal pipeline includes targeted delivery vehicles for oligonucleotide therapeutics and radioligand therapy programmes, with upcoming in vivo studies expected to support future partnering and licensing opportunities.
Founded in 2008 and headquartered in York, UK, Aptamer works with many of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, combining platform expertise, proprietary data and therapeutic innovation to create shareholder value.
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