Recent work by FDA and HESI CiPA working groups indicate that in vitro hERG, Nav1.5 and Cav1.2 potency data in addition to dynamic hERG kinetic data is required to accurately predict proarrhythmic risk. Below we explore two key challenges in exclusively using automated patch-clamp for risk prediction:
Development of a robust hNaV1.9 high-throughput screening assay on the Sophion Qube384 platform. This is complemented by a suite of ion channel selectivity assays and sensory neuron recordings to create a versatile screening cascade to support NaV1.9 drug discovery programmes.
Optical voltage imaging of human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes was used to assess electrophysiological effects of compounds beyond hERG inhibition. Action potential waveform analysis revealed compound-specific and concentration-dependent changes, enabling mechanistic differentiation of multichannel activity and demonstrating a human-relevant approach for translational cardiac safety assessment.