Malmö-based Aptahem published its interim report for the first quarter of 2025 on Thursday. The report highlights continued progress with Apta-1, an aptamer-based drug candidate for acute inflammatory and coagulation-related diseases. During the quarter, Aptahem finalized the clinical synopsis for a phase II study with Apta-1, designed as an open-label, single-arm ”basket trial” to evaluate efficacy and safety. The basket concept means that the trial will include patients from a set of diseases, in this case acute urogenital diseases (e.g., prostatitis and cystitis), inflammatory kidney diseases, acute kidney injury (AKI), and acute lung diseases.
The study targets conditions with shared inflammatory and thrombotic pathologies and has the potential to position Apta-1 as a First-in-Class treatment, particularly for orphan drug indications with significant medical needs.
In Q1, Aptahem also secured patent protection for Apta-1 in South Korea until 2038, strengthening the company’s global IP portfolio. South Korea is a strategically important market for biotechnology, and the patent thus enhances Apta-1’s commercial value.
After the end of the period, Aptahem initiated a collaboration with Hongene Biotech, a global leader in RNA and oligonucleotide manufacturing, to develop cost-effective and sustainable production methods for Apta-1. This is seen as a critical step for scaling up production ahead of clinical trials and future commercialization.
Increased interest from the pharmaceutical industry
Aptahem’s presence at BIO-Europe in Milan and the publication of the clinical synopsis have intensified interest in Apta-1. Just this week, the company received a formal expression of interest from a reputable European pharmaceutical company, and several discussions with international biotech and pharmaceutical companies have progressed to information exchange regarding potential partnerships.
– The growing market focus on oligonucleotide-based treatments, where Apta-1 stands out from traditional antibodies due to its multifaceted effects and strong safety profile, further strengthens our position, CEO Mikael Lindstam writes in the Q1 report.
Reduced losses but tight cash position
Costs during the quarter amounted to just over SEK 2.6 million, a decrease from SEK 3.6 million for the same period in 2024. At the end of Q1, the company’s cash balance was just under SEK 1.3 million. To address the cash situation, the board decided in early May to launch a rights issue of approximately SEK 9.7 million at a subscription price of 1 SEK per share. The subscription period runs until May 30, and the proceeds will be used for continued business development and to position the company for potential partnerships.
– The ongoing partnership discussions, the growing interest and diversity of stakeholders, and the progress we’ve made in manufacturing, regulatory, and clinical strategies all point to a very exciting future for Aptahem, Lindstam comments.
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