Aptamer extends contract with Unilever to advance Optimer in deodorant development

Aptamer extends contract with Unilever to advance Optimer in deodorant development

Aptamer Group plc (AIM: APTA), the developer of novel Optimer® binders to enable innovation in the life sciences industry, is pleased to announce an extension of its partnership with Unilever to enter a new phase aimed at initiating in vivo efficacy testing of optimized binders as active ingredients in deodorants.

Aptamer is collaborating with Unilever to develop Optimer binders as novel active ingredients in deodorants that target the enzyme that causes sweat odor, with the aim of creating more effective and longer-lasting products.

Launched in 2022, the partnership between Aptamer and Unilever aims to develop Optimer binders as part of novel deodorant products. The current deodorant market value is over $21 billion per year and growing at 4.5% (CAGR for the next 5 years). Unilever leads the deodorant market with a market share of over 30% - an increase of over 20% compared to its nearest competitor. The use of active ingredients such as Optimer binders in deodorant products is highly new to the market and holds the potential for improved effectiveness in consumer products.

The current contract extension follows successful laboratory testing of the Optimer binders and allows the partnership to proceed with planned in vivo activity studies for the Optimer binders before the end of 2024. The Aptamer Group has successfully developed the Optimer binders, targeting the CS lyase bacterial enzyme, which is crucial in the development of underarm odor. The binders underwent extensive laboratory testing at Aptamer and Unilever facilities and demonstrated consistent and effective inhibition of the enzyme. This advance represents the potential application of the optimizers in deodorant products. In addition, Aptamer Group has refined these binders to improve their effectiveness as potential active ingredients and to improve their manufacturability for Unilever's production processes.

Unilever will further develop the Optimer binders developed through rigorous internal testing. It is planned to start in vivo efficacy studies before the end of 2024. A successful outcome of these studies will then lead to the next steps in the partnership.

Dr. Arron Tolley, Chief Executive Officer of Aptamer Group, said:"The continued development of our Optimer binders in collaboration with Unilever is a significant milestone for the Aptamer Group. It demonstrates the versatility of our technology in providing unique solutions to new sectors, including cosmetics. We have worked closely with Unilever to develop these binders. We look forward to the progress being made towards their use in these novel deodorant applications. Given the upcoming efficacy tests, we are optimistic about bringing these binders to market in the coming years, and look forward to discussing commercial opportunities with Unilever following successful trial results.”

Dr. Sam Samaras, Senior Vice President R&D, Unilever:This contract extension with Aptamer Group reflects the positive nature of the data generated to date. This is the first time Unilever has studied the effects of Optimer binders in cosmetic applications and the data so far has shown encouraging results. We will now proceed with in vivo testing of the developed materials to investigate their effects in full formulation using our state-of-the-art in-house expert panel. This use of Optimers in the cosmetic field represents a novel application for this class of materials and we will continue to work with the world-class team at Aptamer Group to explore further opportunities.

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