What the Aptamer-Invizius H-Guard Immune Modulation Collab Means for Biopharma

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Aptamer Group, a UK-based developer of next-generation synthetic binders for the life sciences industry, announced on Sept. 2, 2025 that it has signed a new therapeutic development agreement with Invizius, a UK-based clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on second-generation complement system therapies for inflammatory, fibrotic, and autoimmune diseases.

Under the agreement, Aptamer will design Optimer binders for Invizius’ H-Guard technology. The binders will specifically target critical components of the complement system. Optimer binders are synthetic oligonucleotide-based molecules being developed to suppress unwanted immune responses in multiple diseases, including immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, which is a difficult-to-treat kidney disorder (1). Aptamer will retain intellectual property rights for the developed binders.

Invizius’ H-Guard technology was originally built using protein-based molecules to control complement activity. The technology is currently entering Phase II clinical testing. By introducing Optimers, the companies aim to reduce safety risks, enhance biological stability, and minimize immunogenicity compared to protein therapeutics.

“This partnership with Invizius is a strong strategic fit with our licensing-led growth model. By integrating our Optimer technology into their H-Guard platform, we are not only advancing the therapeutic potential of complement system modulation but also building valuable Optimer assets that support future licensing opportunities,” said Arron Tolley, PhD, chief executive officer of Aptamer Group, in a company press release (1) as he explained the strategic rationale behind the collaboration.

What broader-industry implications does this collaboration have?

For drug developers, the Aptamer–Invizius collaboration highlights a broader industry movement toward replacing or augmenting traditional protein therapeutics with novel molecular approaches. Optimers provide stability, precision, and reduced immunogenic risk, all of which are crucial in the development of safe and effective therapies for complex immune-mediated diseases (2,3).

By retaining intellectual property rights for the new binders, Aptamer positions itself to license these molecules for wider use, while Invizius strengthens its ability to develop advanced therapies for patients with limited treatment options. The agreement reflects the intersection of innovation, strategic collaboration, and the commercial potential of next-generation immune-modulating therapies.

“By working closely with the Invizius team, we aim to develop solutions that not only improve treatment outcomes but also reduce side effects for patients across multiple disease areas, including IgA nephropathy. Our recent progress in enzyme modulation and commercial validation with top-tier pharmaceutical partners has demonstrated the recurring revenue potential of our binders. This collaboration further expands our footprint in high-value therapeutic markets and reinforces our commitment to generating long-term shareholder value through royalty and licensing income,” Tolley said.

How do these combined technologies move development forward?

Meanwhile, Invizius’ leadership emphasized the potential of the combined technologies to shift treatment paradigms. The company has developed innovative and patented H-Guard-based complement therapeutics that have the potential to transform the lives of patients suffering from dysregulated complement systems, according to Magnus Nicolson, PhD, chief executive officer of Invizius.

“Partnering with Aptamer Group on this development program allows us to leverage their Optimer technology and our H-Guard technology to manufacture highly specific, biologically stable, non-immunogenic aptamers for targeting the complement system in several high-value therapeutic indications, including IgA Nephropathy,” Nicolson said in the press release (1).

The combination of Aptamer's expertise in discovery under application-relevant conditions with that company’s ability to deliver high-performance binders makes them an ideal partner for Invizius, Nicolson explained, pointing out that aptamers offer many advantages over protein therapeutics and are expected to become an increasingly important therapeutic modality in the bio/pharmaceutical industry’s future.

References

1. Aptamer Group. Aptamer Signs Therapeutic Development Agreement with Invizius. Press Release. Sept. 2, 2025.
2. Zhang, H.; Zhang, L.; Lin, A.; et al. Algorithm for Optimized mRNA Design Improves Stability and Immunogenicity. Nature 2023, 621 (7978), 396–403. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06127-z
3. Grudzinska-Goebel, J.; Benstein, K.; Bloem, K.; et al. Immunogenicity Risk Assessment for Tailored Mitigation and Monitoring of Biotherapeutics During Development: Recommendations from the European Immunogenicity Platform. Front. Immunol. 2025, 16–2025. DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1581153