Aptamer Group Signs Deal With Flip Gene Therapeutics to Support the Development of Inducible Gene Therapies

Aptamer Group plc has recently negotiated a deal with the biotechnology company Flip Gene Therapeutics to support its novel, inducible gene therapy platform with the use of Optimer technology.

The agreement will see Aptamer Group develop Optimer binders to several small molecule targets. The developed Optimers will be incorporated into the partner’s gene therapy platform with the goal of developing pharmacologically inducible gene therapeutics controllable with a gene switch.

Gene therapies are an innovative class of therapeutics that treat diseases and conditions through the delivery of genetic material. A wave of recent progress has reinforced the potential of the approach; however, major gene therapy platforms do not allow for precise control of gene expression after the therapy is administered. The use of the Optimer binders as a component of a gene switch in a gene therapeutic could enable responsive gene expression that could be controlled by dosing certain small molecule drugs.

The commercial terms of the agreement include initial upfront payments for Optimer development, with the potential for further licensing payments for the developed Optimer binders, and development and commercial milestone payments upon clinical and commercial success.

Optimer binders are oligonucleotide-based affinity ligands. The Optimer platform consists of three parallel target-type specific discovery processes for small molecules, proteins and peptides and cell targets. Delivering the potential for increased success in discovery over a broader target range and the ability to tune their half-life, they offer a much-needed solution to support novel gene therapy development.

Dr. Arron Tolley, CEO of Aptamer Group, said “I am delighted to have established this agreement to develop Optimer binders to enable inducible treatments in this exciting field of gene therapy. We will be working closely with our partner Flip Gene Therapeutics on developing and assessing the Optimer binders to function as part of their gene therapy platform. The interest in pursuing Optimer binders as part of their therapeutic modality offers a strong endorsement of the technology.”

Aptamer Group develops custom affinity binders through its proprietary Optimer platform to enable new approaches in therapeutics, diagnostics and research applications. The Company strives to deliver transformational solutions that meet the needs of life science researchers and developers through the use of its proprietary Optimer platform.

Optimer binders are oligonucleotide affinity ligands that can function as an antibody alternative. The global antibody market is currently worth over $145 billion. Optimer binders are engineered to address many of the issues found with alternative affinity molecules, such as antibodies, and offer new, innovative solutions to bioprocessing, diagnostic and pharmaceutical scientists.

Aptamer Group has successfully delivered projects for global pharma companies, diagnostic development companies, and research institutes covering a range of targets and applications with the objective of establishing royalty-bearing licenses. Through the unique Optimer technology and processes, scientists and collaborators are enabled to make faster, more informed decisions that support discovery and development across the Life Sciences.

Flip Gene Therapeutics is a US-based biotechnology company focused on the development of next-generation regulated gene therapeutics which are inducible and controllable. Flip is based in Cambridge, MA.