CEO Mikael Lindstam comments:

"When we initiated our collaboration with Hongene, we were clear that the purpose was to reduce manufacturing costs and improve the production process for Apta-1 in several other important ways. This test-batch, which represents a first step toward further optimizing quality and lowering production costs, is a very encouraging result. Improved process efficiency, scalability and the potential for lower production costs are important factors both for upcoming regulatory processes and for future commercial success."

More broadly, the result strengthens the manufacturing and quality foundation for Apta-1, which is important for future clinical development, regulatory interactions and commercial-scale production. Through more efficient production and better resource utilization, the new method is also expected to contribute to a lower cost of goods sold (CoGs), which could become an important driver of future market introduction, pricing flexibility and long-term competitiveness.

For potential partners, well-established relationships with experienced pharmaceutical manufacturers are themselves an important evaluation criterion, alongside more standardized criteria such as manufacturability and cost efficiency. With these elements now demonstrably in place for Apta-1, the candidate's position in future partnering and licensing discussions is strengthened.

In April 2025, Aptahem announced that the Company had entered into a strategic collaboration with Hongene Biotech, a global company within oligonucleotide chemistry and a specialized CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation) with one of the world's largest production capacities for oligonucleotide synthesis. Aptamers such as Apta-1 are synthetic oligonucleotides. Hongene supports the development of oligonucleotides from research-scale synthesis to commercial production. The collaboration was established with the aim of reducing manufacturing costs and improving the sustainability of Apta-1, which the results show that the Company has now achieved. Hongene Biotech operates internationally, with offices in the United States, Germany, Japan and China.

For further information:

Aptahem AB
Mikael Lindstam, CEO
Tel: +46 (0)766-33 36 99
E-mail: ml@aptahem.com

About Aptahem

Aptahem AB (APTA) is a clinical stage biotechnology company that develops aptamer-based pharmaceuticals for the treatment of acute, life-threatening conditions in which a combination of coagulation, inflammation and tissue damage are involved. The company's lead candidate, Apta-1, is currently in early clinical phase. Apta-1 has in preclinical studies, by its anti-thrombotic, immunomodulating and tissue repairing characteristics, shown very positive and promising results as treatment for sepsis and critical conditions associated with sepsis. For more information, please visit www.aptahem.com