Highlights

  • Aptamer H1 26 revenue increased 27% to GBP 0.83 million, driven by fee-for-service contracts.
  • FY26 fee-for-service order book exceeds GBP 2.0 million, with GBP 3.1 million sales pipeline.
  • New licensing agreements signed with Twist Bioscience, Alphazyme, and global partners.

Aptamer Group plc (LSE:APTA), a developer of synthetic binders for the life sciences sector, reported unaudited revenue of GBP 0.83 million for the six months ending 31 December 2025, reflecting a 27% increase compared to GBP 0.65 million in the same period last year. The Group’s fee-for-service order book for FY26 exceeds GBP 2.0 million, with approximately 70% of this expected to be recognised during the financial year. The sales pipeline currently stands at GBP 3.1 million, indicating ongoing conversion and replenishment of business opportunities.

Progress Towards Recurring Revenue
During H1 26, Aptamer advanced its strategy of generating revenue through a combination of fee-for-service and licensing agreements. The period marked a transition from development to commercialisation as proprietary technology and intellectual property (IP) were increasingly leveraged to create licensing opportunities that provide ongoing revenue streams.

Licensing Agreements
In December 2025, Aptamer signed two non-exclusive licensing agreements with Twist Bioscience and Alphazyme, part of Maravai LifeSciences. These agreements deliver upfront payments and are structured to generate further revenue through milestone payments, royalties, and manufacturing income, with initial commercial sales expected in H2 26. A global enzyme manufacturer is evaluating the hot-start PCR Optimer® under a Material Transfer Agreement for potential non-exclusive licensing, having extended its current testing contract following initial results. Additionally, licensing negotiations for a vitamin B9 Optimer® are in the final stages, targeting global diagnostic applications.

Blue-Chip Partnership Development
The Group continued to develop relationships with major commercial partners. Stability assessment work on a deodorant programme with Unilever was completed, supporting ongoing on-skin testing, while a second programme aimed at preventing odour generation progressed with positive internal results. Aptamer’s initial project with Alphazyme was successfully converted into a non-exclusive licensing agreement, and a second discovery project has produced high-performance binders, offering potential for a subsequent licensing agreement within the current financial year. A top 3 pharmaceutical partner engaged Aptamer for radioligand development, and a top 5 pharma partner contributed GBP 719,000 in new contracts, of which GBP 314,000 has been recognised as revenue to date. Optimer® immunohistochemistry (IHC) reagents have been developed for a global life sciences and diagnostics company, with agreed royalties of 2% on net product sales.

Proprietary Therapeutic Pipeline
Internal testing of a fibrotic liver delivery vehicle indicated it is non-toxic, stable, and non-immunogenic, reducing the therapeutic risk. Animal studies are anticipated during this financial year to demonstrate targeting performance and support ongoing discussions with potential partners for this asset.

Strategic Delivery
During H1 26, Aptamer achieved revenue growth, signed multiple licensing agreements, expanded its partnership portfolio, and enhanced its IP assets. The combination of fee-for-service revenue with emerging licensing income contributes to operational leverage and supports the Group’s financial objectives, while the progression of licensing opportunities demonstrates the ability to convert proprietary technology into ongoing revenue streams.

Share Performance
APTA was trading at GBX 1.05, up by 5% on 7 Jan 2025.