Technical Feasibility for Pathogen Detector
Summary by AI BETAClose X
17 February 2026
Metir plc
("Metir", the "Group" or the "Company")
Technical Feasibility for Pathogen Detector
Milestone achieved under Aptamer Group collaboration agreement
Metir plc (AIM: MET), the leading global provider of fast-response, mobile and point-of-use water and environmental monitoring technologies, is pleased to announce the successful completion of Phase 1 of its collaboration with Aptamer Group plc ("Aptamer") (AIM: APTA), achieving the agreed technical feasibility objectives for the development of novel Optimer® binders for integration into Metir's real-time, continuous Pathogen Detector platform.
As announced on 11 September 2025, Metir entered into a contract with Aptamer to develop novel Optimer® binders targeting the rapid detection within minutes of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts in water, for potential incorporation into Metir's continuous pathogen detection system.
Phase 1 Technical Milestone Achieved
Completed on time and on budget, Phase 1 work has met the agreed technical objectives, demonstrating the feasibility of developing high-affinity Optimer® binders suitable for potential use within Metir's Pathogen Detector system. The programme has confirmed that Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts can be reliably identified and handled using Aptamer's proprietary selection technology.
Importantly, no material technical barriers were identified during this initial feasibility phase. The results provide confidence in progressing to Phase 2, which will focus on full Optimer® selection, optimisation and further validation work.
Pathway to Proof of Concept and Commercial Device
Metir will now continue to work with Aptamer on Phase 2 of the programme, designed to finalise the Cryptosporidium Optimer® development for commercial use, which is expected to be completed in Q2 2026. Subject to successful optimisation and validation, the Company intends to progress towards development of a Proof of Concept operational device for field testing, currently targeted for H2 2026, followed by commercial launch in early 2027.
The Pathogen Detector platform has been designed as a market first to enable real-time, continuous water quality monitoring with rapid identification, within minutes, of targeted pathogen contamination, eliminating turnaround times needed for conventional laboratory-based testing methods. The in-line testing live data platform will complement the Company's existing Microtox® water monitoring portfolio and expand its addressable market into continuous biological pathogen detection.
Cryptosporidium is one of the most common waterborne pathogens. Recent Cryptosporidium incidents damaging public health in the UK have highlighted the operational, financial and reputational impact contamination events can have on water utilities and other organisations, reinforcing the need for fast response, robust and real-time monitoring systems. The Pathogen Detector's groundbreaking technology will be well placed to enter the Cryptosporidium diagnostic testing market, which stood at US$1.2 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach US$2.5 billion by 2033¹.
The Company believes this represents a significant commercial opportunity for advanced, continuous detection systems that support regulatory compliance, operational resilience and public health protection. Several UK water companies have expressed preliminary interest in trialling a Proof of Concept device. With several hardware prototypes already produced, a commercial device specifically using the refined Cryptosporidium Optimer® will follow, subject to successful completion of the ongoing development and validation stages.
Bob Moore, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Metir, commented:
"We are pleased to confirm the successful completion of Phase 1 of our collaboration with Aptamer and congratulate the project team on their excellent work. The results validate the technical approach underpinning our groundbreaking Pathogen Detector platform and demonstrate the feasibility of integrating Optimer® technology into a continuous rapid detection system.
This milestone provides a clear pathway to further optimisation and, subject to successful Phase 2 development, progression towards a Proof of Concept device for field testing followed by a final design commercial device."
Dr Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group plc, added:
"The delivery of Phase 1 marks an important step in our collaboration with Metir and the development of its innovative Pathogen Detector platform. We look forward to supporting them further on this work as the programme moves into Phase 2."
1. https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/cryptosporidium-diagnostic-testing-market/
- Ends -
Enquiries:
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Metir plc Bob Moore, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
+44 (0) 20 3657 0050 via TPI |
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SPARK Advisory Partners Limited Andrew Emmott / James Keeshan |
+44 (0)20 3368 3550 |
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Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Limited Andrew Thacker / Guy McDougall |
+44 (0) 20 3657 0050 |
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Northstar Communications (Investor Relations) Sarah Hollins |
+44 (0) 113 730 3896 |
About Metir
Metir plc is a leading global provider of several fast-response, mobile and point-of-use water and environmental monitoring technologies. Through its two established trading divisions, Modern Water and Microsaic Systems, a specialist in mobile PFAS monitoring, the Company develops and supplies innovative, easy-to-use solutions that deliver rapid, accurate water and liquids quality results, helping industries, utilities and regulators monitor safety and compliance in real time.
With a strong focus on data-driven insight and field-ready design, Metir's technology supports critical decision-making across sectors, including environmental monitoring, public health and industrial process management.
Headquartered in York, UK, Metir serves worldwide customers and is dedicated to advancing water testing standards through innovative, accessible solutions.
For more information, please visit: https://www.metirplc.com
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