York-based biotech expands premises after $2.2 million investment

The York-based Aptamer Group is set to expand its premises after securing $2.2 million in overseas investment in June of this year.

The biotech’s expansion will see the company gain two additional laboratories and two additional offices in the York Science Park. The new labs will include a specialist robotics lab and a preclinical discovery lab.

Claire Bennett, General Manager of York Science Park, added: “We were delighted to work with Aptamer Group to help them set their plans in place for the next two years. They are a really dynamic company, working in an incredibly innovative area of bio technology that is constantly evolving. We were very happy to help them secure space that allows them to grow their team and help them develop their strategy. We look forward to continuing to help support them in the future.”

Aptamer currently work in four offices and five labs. The investment will also see the creation of ten new positions in technical, sales and administration roles.

Arron Tolley, CEO of Aptamer Group, commented: “We secured our funding on a solid business plan, strong sales pipeline and excellent data – which demonstrated aptamer technology as a viable drug delivery system.

We were recognised, by investors with expertise in the development of biologic drugs, as a fast-growing UK biotechnology business. We planned our next steps jointly with YSP, taking into consideration our strategic plan for growth. Further embedding ourselves at YSP is the most logical strategy for us. It allows us to take advantage of the existing infrastructure and further expand our existing team of 18 people along with providing us with the facilities to focus on both R&D and our commercial works.”

Louis Goss