Ion channel assay development and validation

Successful ion channel drug discovery depends on robust and reproducible assay performance.

Our scientists specialise in:

• Stable and transient cell line generation
• Assay optimisation
• Pharmacological validation
• Reference compound profiling
• Assay troubleshooting
• Complex assay development
• Quality control and data analysis

Every assay is tailored to the specific target biology and project requirements to ensure generation of high-confidence pharmacology data.

Automated electrophysiology screening

Automated patch clamp technologies enable medium- to high-throughput ion channel screening while maintaining high-quality electrophysiological data.

Our scientists also have extensive experience applying automated patch clamp to biologics discovery programmes. By optimising experimental parameters such as incubation time, stimulation protocols and channel state, we generate robust functional data to evaluate the potency, efficacy, subtype selectivity and mechanism of action of ion channel biologics.

Our automated electrophysiology services support:

• Hit identification and confirmation
• SAR screening
• Concentration–response analysis
• Pharmacological profiling
• Selectivity screening
• Lead optimisation

We have extensive experience using the Sophion Qube automated electrophysiology platform to deliver robust and reproducible assays across a wide range of ion channel targets.

Manual patch clamp electrophysiology

Manual patch clamp remains the gold standard for detailed ion channel characterisation and complex pharmacological investigations.

Our experienced electrophysiologists use manual patch clamp approaches for:

• Mechanism-of-action studies
• State-dependent pharmacology
• Complex gating behaviour
• Low-throughput specialised assays
• Current clamp and voltage clamp studies
• Validation of automated assay findings

Manual patch clamp is particularly valuable for biologics programmes requiring detailed mechanistic investigation. Our electrophysiologists develop bespoke protocols to characterise complex pharmacology, including state-dependent modulation, slow binding kinetics, partial channel modulation and protocol-dependent activity that may not be captured using standard screening assays.

Fluorescence-based ion channel assays

Fluorescence-based assays provide efficient higher-throughput approaches for ion channel screening and profiling.

We develop and optimise assays including:

• Membrane potential assays
• Calcium flux assays
• Ligand-gated ion channel assays
• Functional screening assays

These platforms can provide effective screening solutions for large compound libraries and complement electrophysiology-based approaches during screening cascades.

Hit identification

We support early-stage screening programmes for small molecules and biologics with robust assays designed to identify and confirm active compounds against ion channel targets.

Hit-to-lead optimisation

Our rapid screening workflows generate high-quality SAR data to guide medicinal chemistry decision-making and accelerate progression of promising series.

Lead optimisation

Detailed electrophysiology and mechanistic pharmacology studies support optimisation of potency, selectivity and developability.

Safety pharmacology

We provide ion channel safety profiling services, including hERG screening and selectivity assessment, to help identify potential liabilities early in development.

Mechanism-of-action studies

Our scientists conduct detailed biophysical and pharmacological investigations to characterise compound behaviour and support translational decision-making.

Ion channel targets supported

We support a broad range of ion channel families and therapeutic targets.

Specialist ion channel expertise

As a specialist ion channel CRO, Metrion has extensive experience supporting both small molecule and biologics discovery programmes. Our electrophysiologists combine deep expertise in ion channel pharmacology with automated and manual patch clamp to develop assays that generate robust, pharmacologically meaningful data. Rather than applying standard protocols, we tailor assay design to the biology of each target and the characteristics of each therapeutic modality, enabling confident decision-making throughout discovery.

Robust, quality, assays for reproducible data

We combine robust assay design with rigorous quality control to generate reliable, reproducible ion channel pharmacology data. Our scientists develop and optimise assays to support consistent performance, reliable compound profiling and confident decision-making throughout drug discovery programmes.

Flexible, customised screening solutions

Every programme is tailored to your scientific objectives, target biology, pharmacology and project timelines. We support a wide range of ion channel assay formats, screening strategies and mechanistic pharmacology studies.

Rapid turnaround for discovery programmes

We understand the importance of timely data generation during hit identification, hit-to-lead and lead optimisation programmes. Our workflows are designed to support efficient progression of ion channel drug discovery projects.

Integrated pharmacology support

Our services span ion channel screening including high-throughput screening, neuroscience and cardiac safety to support progression through the discovery pipeline. This includes automated electrophysiology, manual patch clamp and fluorescence-based ion channel assay platforms. We also provide ready-to-go and customised cell lines engineered for reliable, reproducible screening success.

Access to commercially available compound libraries

We provide access to Enamine compound libraries with freedom to operate to support ion channel screening and profiling programmes.

What are ion channels?

Ion channels are membrane proteins that regulate the movement of charged particles (ions), including sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻), into and out of cells. This movement generates the electrical signals required for processes such as nerve transmission, cardiac rhythm, muscle contraction and hormone release.

Ion channels are among the most important drug targets in modern drug discovery because changes in their function are associated with disorders including chronic pain, epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmias and other neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Ion channel screening enables researchers to identify and optimise compounds that selectively modulate ion channel activity, helping to improve efficacy while reducing the risk of unwanted side effects.

Can Metrion provide AI-ready ion channel electrophysiology data for drug discovery?

Yes. Metrion can provide high-quality, structured ion channel electrophysiology data suitable for integration into AI drug discovery workflows. Our experienced electrophysiologists use robust experimental methods to generate precise, reproducible and quality-assured data, while providing the scientific interpretation needed to understand results in their biological and pharmacological context.

What is automated patch clamp electrophysiology?

Automated patch clamp is an electrophysiology technique that enables higher-throughput measurement of ion channel activity while maintaining high-quality functional data. It is widely used in drug discovery screening and lead optimisation.

What is the difference between electrophysiology and fluorescence assays?

Electrophysiology directly measures ion channel currents and provides detailed functional data. Fluorescence assays are typically higher throughput but provide indirect measurements of ion channel activity.

Which ion channels are commonly screened in drug discovery?

Common ion channel targets include sodium (Nav), potassium (Kv), calcium (Cav), TRP, ASIC and ligand-gated ion channels such as GABA and NMDA receptors.

What is hERG screening?

hERG screening assesses compound activity against the hERG potassium channel to identify potential cardiac safety liabilities during drug development.

Can Metrion develop bespoke ion channel assays?

Yes. We specialise in developing customised ion channel assays tailored to specific targets, pharmacology and project requirements.

Can Metrion support ion channel biologics discovery?

Yes. Metrion supports both small molecule and biologics drug discovery programmes targeting ion channels. Our experienced electrophysiologists develop tailored automated and manual patch clamp assays to characterise monoclonal antibodies, nanobodies, engineered peptides and other biologic modalities. By optimising assay protocols for each target and therapeutic approach, we generate robust functional data to support hit validation, lead optimisation and mechanistic characterisation.