Metrion Biosciences Limited (“Metrion”), the specialist ion channel CRO and drug discovery company, and AMRI, a global contract research, development and manufacturing organization working with the life sciences industry to improve patient outcomes and quality of life, today announced they have signed a new collaboration agreement. The alliance will promote Metrion’s electrophysiology and ion channel screening expertise to global pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.

As part of the agreement, AMRI will be able to offer its customers access to Metrion’s broad portfolio of assay tools and technologies for ion channel screening, cardiac safety profiling and neuroscience applications. Metrion’s customers will benefit in turn from ready access to AMRI’s suite of integrated drug discovery solutions, including expertise in medicinal chemistry, high content imaging, cell-based assays, high-throughput screening and screening by mass spectrometry.

“We are impressed with AMRI’s depth of expertise, range of drug discovery services and technologies, and track record of success” noted Andrew Southan, Chief Operating Officer of Metrion. “The combination of Metrion’s ion channel expertise and AMRI’s drug discovery services allows the companies to offer clients a uniquely comprehensive and highly skilled approach to novel ion channel targets. The collaboration also gives Metrion broader access to North American markets.”

“Ion channel drug discovery is of high interest to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, so it is logical that we would partner with one of the leaders in this field,” said Rory Curtis, Ph.D., Vice President, Discovery Biology and Pharmacology, and Site Head of AMRI Buffalo. “Metrion offers expertise across a range of important ion channel services that complement AMRI’s traditional drug discovery portfolio, providing a comprehensive solution to customers looking to develop new drugs against ion channel targets.”