Metir  has announced a new contract with Aptamer Group plc for the development of Optimer® binders for rapid Cryptosporidium detection using its next-generation, pathogen monitoring platform. For Metir, this collaboration (the ‘Collaboration’) represents an important step forward in its strategy to deliver a market-leading, real-time water monitoring solution. For Aptamer, it commences a development agreement first established with Metir on 14 June 2024 for creation of new binders capable of targeting multiple water-borne pathogens. Providing high specificity for accurate identification of contamination/reduction of false positives, the exceptional stability of aptamers also provides the robustness required for continuous monitoring in real-world water systems. The technology’s adaptability creates future opportunity for multiplexed detection in response to customers’ evolving needs, while synthetic manufacturing ensures a secure, scalable and reproducible supply chain. Being one of the final technical milestones for Metir’s device, proof-of-concept data is expected within three months; subject to successful development and financing, this important new product line could be ready for field-testing by the end of 2026. With several UK water companies having already indicated their interest in trialling when it becomes available, today’s Collaboration offers potential for Metir to rapidly expand its global footprint across the growing environmental and water testing sectors. No financial details have been disclosed, although Aptamer’s strategy of retaining all intellectual property rights for its developed binders (therein strengthening its proprietary portfolio), suggests a future licensing and/or royalty payments may become due upon commercialisation.