Aptamer Group plc, a developer of synthetic oligonucleotide-based binding reagents for life science applications, and Alphazyme LLC (Alphazyme), a Maravai LifeSciences company specializing in enzymes for molecular biology, have entered into a licensing agreement for a proprietary Optimer® binder developed for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) hot start applications.
Image credit: Aptamer Group
Mechanism of action
The licensed Optimer® acts as a reversible, temperature-dependent inhibitor in hot DNA amplification protocols. The synthetic linker maintains the DNA polymerase in an inactive state at ambient temperatures, preventing nonspecific extension of primers and primer-dimer formation during the assembly reaction. Upon thermal activation, the binder-enzyme complex is dissociated, restoring full enzyme activity. This mechanism enhances the specificity and sensitivity of the assay in applications including clinical diagnostics, genomic analysis, and library preparation for next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows.
License terms and commercial structure
Under the agreement, Aptamer Group grants Alphazyme non-exclusive worldwide rights to incorporate the enzyme-modulating Optimer® in PCR and NGS hot-start product formulations. The commercial context includes:
- Royalty payments based on sales volume of the finished product
- Milestone payments are tied to development and commercialization goals
- Production Supply Agreement with Aptamer Group as Designated Producer
This comprehensive supply agreement ensures quality control and supply chain continuity, while generating contract manufacturing revenue for the Aptamer Group.
Development schedule and technical validation
The parties entered into a development agreement in June 2024, with final candidate molecules to be delivered in December 2024. Alphazyme’s internal validation studies confirmed temperature-dependent modulation of both exonuclease and polymerase activity. Specifically, the Optimer single® linker replicates the functionality that typically requires two different antibody reagents, offering potential advantages in economy of manufacture and complexity of synthesis.
After this success, a second Optimer® enzyme formulation development program has been initiated with Alphazyme to expand the client’s product portfolio. This project has recently completed the development phase, with candidate molecules delivered to Alphazyme for internal testing with positive results in the hands of the customer.
We are pleased to announce the signing of this licensing agreement with Alphazyme. This second enzyme formulation licensing agreement validates both the technical performance and commercial appeal of Optimer® technology in the molecular biology market. One of the standout features is our product’s ability to replace two antibodies with a single product, offering significant performance and manufacturing advantages that will lead to further licensing opportunities for successful technical validation of the second project.
We look forward to building the relationship with Alphazyme through our ongoing development programs, which will provide the opportunity to further license our Optimer® technology.”
Dr. Arron Tolley, CEO, Aptamer Group
