Aptamer appoints three new members to scientific board

(Sharecast News) - Aptamer Group announced the appointment of three new members to its scientific advisory board on Friday, as it advanced the commercialisation of its 'Optimer' binders for life sciences applications. The AIM-traded firm said the newly appointed experts -Dr Paloma Giangrande, Dr Louis Allot, and Dr Adam Hargreaves - would join existing members professor Paul Townsend and Dr Shozo Fujita.

It said the expanded board would focus on the strategic development of Aptamer's targeted delivery systems, including siRNA therapies and radiopharmaceuticals.

The board would also provide critical guidance on product strategies, scientific approaches, and the generation of clinical evidence to drive forward the group's internal development programs.

Aptamer said Dr Giangrande would bring extensive expertise in RNA therapeutics and aptamer-based delivery systems, with leadership experience at biotechnology firms such as Moderna and Eleven Therapeutics.

Dr Allot, a radiopharmaceutical specialist, had meanwhile contributed to translational research and the development of targeted radiopharmaceuticals through roles at King's College London and Radiopharmium.

It added that Dr Hargreaves, a seasoned expert in preclinical and translational drug development, joined Aptamer as a non-executive director in 2023 and became non-executive chair in 2024.

Chaired by Aptamer's chief scientific officer Dr David Bunka, and deputy-chaired by CEO Dr Arron Tolley, Aptamer said the scientific advisory board would leverage its members' extensive networks and expertise to strengthen the group's position in the development and application of Optimer binders.

"As Aptamer furthers our strategic programmes across targeted therapies, diagnostics and fast-moving consumer goods, the landscape for each of these specialised fields is rapidly evolving," said chief executive officer Dr Arron Tolley.

"The new appointments to our scientific advisory board bring additional focus to our strategy and will give valuable insights to support the advancement of our high-value assets and programmes towards the clinic."

Dr Tolley said the appointments underscored the company's "dedication" to capitalise on current assets and the strength of its platform, to maximise shareholder value.

"The enlarged advisory board aims to deepen our understanding of clinical processes and clinical applications of our technology whilst ensuring we keep abreast of any new important developments that could offer significant value for Aptamer in the future."

At 1301 GMT, shares in Aptamer Group were up 8.47% at 0.32p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.