Ion Channel Screening & Assay Development for Drug Discovery

IonsGate provides a wide range of ion channel assays to quickly and accurately provide results for drug discovery and development research worldwide. Our deep expertise in ion channel research is key to offer our customers the best assay which will address their needs. We offer ion channel screening services on all cardiac ion channels in various cellular systems, including hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes.

The hERG potassium ion channel, well-known for carrying the IKr current, is an important contributor to repolarization of the cardiac action potential. hERG inhibition has been associated with drug-induced TdP.  However, not all drugs that inhibit hERG cause TdP, and no simple relationship has been established between drug-induced QT prolongation and TdP development.  Recently approved drugs such as ranolazine are known to be safe despite prolonging QT interval.  It is crucial to consider ion channels other than hERG to predict drug proarrhythmic potential as inhibition of depolarizing currents (late INa, ICa) mitigate the hERG channel blocking effects on action potential repolarization

IonsGate drives innovation in drug discovery by offering custom assay development and drug screening services in cardiac cells and tissues. Our technologies integrate a new paradigm for the evaluation of the cardiac safety of drug candidates – moving beyond simplistic indicators of arrhythmia to provide cutting-edge in vitro and ex vivo assays that accurately replicate cardiac tissue behavior.

With over 150 peer-reviewed publications to date, we are experts in characterizing the cardiac safety and efficacy of novel compounds. Our team of electrophysiologists, cell and molecular biologists, and animal physiologists are skilled in assay development, experimental design, data interpretation, and guidance for moving forward in drug discovery,

IonsGate offers multiple options for custom assay development and screening for preclinical cardiac safety and efficacy testing. Contact us to learn more about how IonsGate can transform your drug discovery journey.

Talk to Us About Your Research Needs

Call 1.604.827.1733

Cell-Based Assays

Our cell-based assays offer a detailed view of the effects of a compound on a wide range of both cardiac and non-cardiac ion channels. Far beyond standard hERG channel testing, IonsGate is capable of assessing numerous parameters of ion channel responses.

With human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) derived cardiomyocytes and primary cells from various animal species, IonsGate can perform electrophysiological assays that replicate complex cardiac cell behaviors.

Potential cell-based assay parameters include:

  • Standard IC50s
  • Use dependence of block
  • Voltage dependence of block
  • Sarcomere resting length
  • Fractional sarcomere shortening
  • Rate of contraction and relaxation
  • Dose responses
  • Response to various stimulation frequencies
  • Custom assays to suit client needs

Talk to Us About Your Research Needs

Call 1.604.827.1733

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