Optimer ligand

This reversible target binding and release means the Optimer ligand is regenerated and can be used for real-time continuous sensing for biological monitoring.

Each discovery process can be adapted to include specific target, assay and buffer conditions to improve Optimer selection.

[17] Solid-phase synthesis is carried out on a solid support held between filters, in columns that enable all reagents and solvents to pass through freely.

[18] Solid-phase synthesis has a number of advantages over cell-based manufacturing that is typically used for protein affinity reagents, such as antibodies: Optimer ligands are small, synthetic molecules.

These synthetic antibodies are stable for years at room temperature with no loss in performance [19] and do not require cold chain logistics.

The small size and stability profile of Optimer ligands combined with the lack of immunogenicity confer good drug-like properties on these molecules.

[16] Additionally, Optimers can be used as conjugates for the targeted delivery of a range of drug cargo, such as chemotherapeutics,[14] gene silencing therapeutics,[22] and radionuclides.

Optimer therapeutics are being developed in partnership with Cancer Research UK that can selectively target a key gene fault for the treatment of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukaemia (CMML) and other myeloid malignancies.