Aptamer Group Begins Development of Rapid Test for Bundibugyo Ebola

Aptamer Group plc, a developer of next-generation synthetic binders for the life sciences industry, has begun developing Optimer binders for a potential rapid diagnostic test targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus.

Tackling a Rare Strain of Ebola

The program is significant because Bundibugyo Ebola is at the center of a major public health emergency. A significant outbreak began in May 2026 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, representing the largest recorded outbreak of this rare strain, and the World Health Organization has declared both an epidemic and a public health emergency.

Rapid and reliable diagnosis is especially important because fatality rates for the Bundibugyo strain are estimated at approximately 30% to 50%. Earlier detection can help improve patient outcomes, accelerate isolation and treatment decisions and support faster outbreak containment.

The need is heightened by a clear diagnostic gap. Unlike the more common Zaire strain of Ebola, for which vaccines and treatments exist, Bundibugyo has substantially different viral proteins. As a result, existing diagnostic approaches and antibody-based detection methods may lack the sensitivity needed to identify Bundibugyo quickly and reliably in field settings.

Aptamer’s Optimer technology has previously demonstrated rapid responses and excellent sensitivity and specificity in diagnostic applications to support the response to infectious disease outbreaks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aptamer developed SARS-CoV-2 binders that were successfully translated into lateral flow tests, demonstrating the platform’s capabilities to deliver diagnostic solutions rapidly during public health emergencies.

The new program will aim to develop Optimer binders suitable for integration into rapid, field-compatible diagnostic tests for Bundibugyo Ebola. Work has commenced immediately, with all necessary materials now on-site to enable Optimer discovery and development.