York life sciences firm Aptamer Group has announced the start of development for a potential rapid diagnostic test targeting the highly infectious Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. The company, known for producing synthetic binders for the life sciences industry, is leveraging its proprietary Optimer technology to create a field-compatible test that could significantly improve outbreak response.
Outbreak Context and Urgency
An outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain began in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda in May 2026, marking the largest recorded outbreak of this rare strain. The World Health Organization has declared both an epidemic and a public health emergency. Fatality rates for Bundibugyo Ebola range from approximately 30% to 50%, depending on factors such as virus strain, quality of patient care, and speed of diagnosis. Early detection is critical to improving patient outcomes and containing the outbreak.
Unlike the more common Zaire strain, for which vaccines and treatments exist, current diagnostic tests struggle to rapidly and reliably identify the Bundibugyo strain. This gap underscores the need for new diagnostic tools.
Aptamer's Optimer Technology
Aptamer's Optimer technology has previously demonstrated rapid responses in diagnostic applications for infectious disease outbreaks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company developed SARS-CoV-2 binders that were successfully integrated into lateral flow tests. The new programme aims to develop Optimer binders suitable for rapid, field-compatible diagnostic tests specifically for Bundibugyo Ebola, with work starting immediately.
Market and Economic Impact
The global Ebola testing market was valued at $1.2 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from $1.3 billion in 2026 to $2.3 billion by 2033. North America dominated the market with a 40.9% revenue share in 2025. The head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Director-General Jean Kaseya, has warned that containing this outbreak could cost billions of dollars, highlighting the economic stakes.
CEO Statement
Dr Arron Tolley, chief executive officer of Aptamer Group, said: “Those following the Ebola outbreak in Sub-Saharan Africa will note the growing severity of the situation on both a human and economic level. A critical limiting factor in response is rapid, accurate diagnosis. Existing tests lack the sensitivity needed for timely detection in field settings. During COVID, our platform demonstrated its ability to deliver diagnostic tools at pace to respond to infectious disease outbreaks. We are now applying that capability to develop Optimers for specific proteins of the Bundibugyo strain. With development under way in our labs, I look forward to updating shareholders as the programme progresses.”
