Life sciences company triples its footprint with laboratories launch

Aptamer Group, which develops Optimer ® binders to enable innovation in the life sciences industry, has opened new facilities in York Science Park to meet increasing demand for this technology.

The 18,000 sq ft site has tripled the company’s previous footprint, meaning it can expand the capacity of its proprietary Optimer platform to deliver novel binders for researchers across the bioprocessing, diagnostic, and drug development sectors.

In addition to Optimer discovery and development, a portion of the new laboratory space will be dedicated to validation and assay development.

Optimer binders are next-generation aptamers that can be used as synthetic alternatives to antibodies. These binders are enabling researchers to pursue new applications, such as targeted drug delivery.

Dr Arron Tolley, chief executive officer of Aptamer Group, said: “We are excited to move to the new purpose-developed site.

“This will enable us to keep up with the increased demand for our Optimer technology and the growth of the team at our new larger lab and office facilities.

“The expansion will mean Aptamer is able to work on larger-scale projects that can be processed faster to support our partners with Optimers as a robust and much-needed alternative to antibodies.”

Eminent neuroscience researcher, Baroness Susan Greenfield, officially opened the facility, accompanied by York Central MP Rachel Maskell. Greenfield said: “I am delighted to support a British company, clearly flourishing with an exciting new technology.”