A COMPANY developing a system to detect coronavirus in wastewater is extending its partnership with a York-based biotech firm.

DeepVerge PLC and Aptamer Group, developers of diagnostic and therapeutic Optimer reagents, teamed up in July 2020 to support the development of DeepVerge’s Microtox PD wastewater monitoring system for Covid-19.

The use of Aptamer's Optimer binders for SARS-CoV-2 in the system enabled coronavirus to be detected in wastewater, helping to identify hotspots of disease outbreak.

Following successful trials, the companies have agreed to expand the partnership which will see Aptamer Group develop new Optimer binders to other viral targets such as influenza and polio, for incorporation into the Microtox PD system.

The expanded partnership includes an additional upfront payment with Optimer supply costs and double-digit royalties on commercialised product.

Dr Arron Tolley, of Aptamer Group, said: “We are delighted with this expansion of our agreement with DeepVerge, with whom we have developed a strong collaborative partnership.

"DeepVerge’s wastewater monitoring system is an innovative solution to help combat disease outbreaks through the early detection of hotspots.

"This broadened collaboration is a strong validation of our Optimer technology and its potential to deliver highly sensitive and robust binders for use across the spectrum of life sciences.”

Gerard Brandon, CEO of DeepVerge PLC, said: “We are excited to move to the next phase of development with the team at the Aptamer Group.

"They have demonstrated a robust platform contributing to the success of the Modern Water Microtox® PD pandemic response units with Optimer binding agents that allow detection and ease of identification of the target pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2.

"We look forward to working together to expand on the success so far with plans for mass production of multiplex chipsets with a range of Optimer binders.”