The reality of cardiac safety screening: More like a game of Tetris than you might think

by Charlotte Hill PhD, Senior Scientist II

Managing cardiac safety screening programmes often feels a lot like playing a game of Tetris. But instead of one piece at a time, such as a compound delivery, an instrument slot or a client deadline, it is more like ten pieces arriving at once. And the point at which they come into view can vary wildly.

In cardiac safety, timing is everything. Some pieces move slowly, others drop fast, and when one arrives late the whole board shifts. That is the reality of delivering high quality cardiac safety data. Tight timelines, multiple moving parts and constant decision making to keep everything running smoothly.

Science in motion

VOLTA cardiac safety screeningAt Metrion, we specialise in cardiac safety screening, supporting clients to reliably evaluate the proarrhythmic and cardiotoxic liabilities of their compounds. That includes studies such as GLP hERG testing, CiPA screening and advanced ion channel screening.

But the science is only part of the challenge. The real work is fitting all the pieces together in real time while ensuring the data remains robust, interpretable and ready to inform decisions.

When the board shifts

I can plan for a straightforward week of screening with manageable timelines, but then a last minute request, an issue with an instrument or an unexpected result drops in out of nowhere.

That is when programme management becomes more than scheduling.

It becomes about judgement.

  • Is this result real or an artefact?
  • Does it change the client’s risk profile?
  • What is the next best experiment?
  • How do we keep the project moving without compromising quality?

Occasionally, a really awkward piece lands in such a way that I have to quickly juggle everything else around it. I can plan as much as I like, but I also have to stay flexible and ready to adapt at a moment’s notice.

Thinking five pieces ahead

So I am always thinking several steps ahead.

  • What is due to arrive next?
  • Where might the bottleneck be?
  • How does this change in priority affect everything else on the board?

This is where Metrion’s strength really comes through. Our cardiac safety team is led by experts with exceptional ion channel electrophysiology and drug discovery expertise, supported by experienced cell biologists who create novel cell lines and robust assay systems.

It is that depth of scientific experience that allows us not just to run assays, but to interpret them, troubleshoot them and guide clients through complex safety decisions.

No pause button

Some days, it feels like there is no pause button at all.

Screening lists, questions, platform availability and unexpected results all stack up, but it is my job to keep the lines clearing.

One hour I could be screening on the QPatch. The next, I could be attending a client call to discuss the assays we offer on the VOLTA platform. And the hour after that, I might be writing to another client to explain an unexpected finding and what it means for their programme.

The pressure builds quickly, piece by piece, so again, communication is key.I’ve worked with a lot of CROs around the world and I really liked working with Metrion.

Clients always appreciate a quick update over complete silence, and at Metrion we pride ourselves on not just excellent client communication, but also detailed reporting and interpretation of results - we ensure that every report is not just a summary but a strategic tool, designed to support your decision-making and move your research forward with confidence.

Behind the scenes my colleagues assist, because at Metrion cardiac safety screening is a team effort built on collaboration and expertise.

Clearing the lines

Ultimately, what I enjoy most is completing the lines and clearing the board.

When timelines align, assays run well, data drops cleanly into place and clients have clear answers, there is a Tetris like satisfaction to it all.

That is what Metrion delivers. Not just high quality screening, but the scientific insight, flexibility and reliability that clients need to keep drug discovery moving forward with confidence. Read more about choosing Metrion as your CRO.

In cardiac safety, every piece matters, and having the right experts on your team makes all the difference.

Contact us to discuss your next project.

by Charlotte Hill PhD, Senior Scientist II

Managing cardiac safety screening programmes often feels a lot like playing a game of Tetris. But instead of one piece at a time, such as a compound delivery, an instrument slot or a client deadline, it is more like ten pieces arriving at once. And the point at which they come into view can vary wildly.

In cardiac safety, timing is everything. Some pieces move slowly, others drop fast, and when one arrives late the whole board shifts. That is the reality of delivering high quality cardiac safety data. Tight timelines, multiple moving parts and constant decision making to keep everything running smoothly.

Science in motion

VOLTA cardiac safety screeningAt Metrion, we specialise in cardiac safety screening, supporting clients to reliably evaluate the proarrhythmic and cardiotoxic liabilities of their compounds. That includes studies such as GLP hERG testing, CiPA screening and advanced ion channel screening.

But the science is only part of the challenge. The real work is fitting all the pieces together in real time while ensuring the data remains robust, interpretable and ready to inform decisions.

When the board shifts

I can plan for a straightforward week of screening with manageable timelines, but then a last minute request, an issue with an instrument or an unexpected result drops in out of nowhere.

That is when programme management becomes more than scheduling.

It becomes about judgement.

  • Is this result real or an artefact?
  • Does it change the client’s risk profile?
  • What is the next best experiment?
  • How do we keep the project moving without compromising quality?

Occasionally, a really awkward piece lands in such a way that I have to quickly juggle everything else around it. I can plan as much as I like, but I also have to stay flexible and ready to adapt at a moment’s notice.

Thinking five pieces ahead

So I am always thinking several steps ahead.

  • What is due to arrive next?
  • Where might the bottleneck be?
  • How does this change in priority affect everything else on the board?

This is where Metrion’s strength really comes through. Our cardiac safety team is led by experts with exceptional ion channel electrophysiology and drug discovery expertise, supported by experienced cell biologists who create novel cell lines and robust assay systems.

It is that depth of scientific experience that allows us not just to run assays, but to interpret them, troubleshoot them and guide clients through complex safety decisions.

No pause button

Some days, it feels like there is no pause button at all.

Screening lists, questions, platform availability and unexpected results all stack up, but it is my job to keep the lines clearing.

One hour I could be screening on the QPatch. The next, I could be attending a client call to discuss the assays we offer on the VOLTA platform. And the hour after that, I might be writing to another client to explain an unexpected finding and what it means for their programme.

The pressure builds quickly, piece by piece, so again, communication is key.I’ve worked with a lot of CROs around the world and I really liked working with Metrion.

Clients always appreciate a quick update over complete silence, and at Metrion we pride ourselves on not just excellent client communication, but also detailed reporting and interpretation of results - we ensure that every report is not just a summary but a strategic tool, designed to support your decision-making and move your research forward with confidence.

Behind the scenes my colleagues assist, because at Metrion cardiac safety screening is a team effort built on collaboration and expertise.

Clearing the lines

Ultimately, what I enjoy most is completing the lines and clearing the board.

When timelines align, assays run well, data drops cleanly into place and clients have clear answers, there is a Tetris like satisfaction to it all.

That is what Metrion delivers. Not just high quality screening, but the scientific insight, flexibility and reliability that clients need to keep drug discovery moving forward with confidence. Read more about choosing Metrion as your CRO.

In cardiac safety, every piece matters, and having the right experts on your team makes all the difference.

Contact us to discuss your next project.

by Charlotte Hill PhD, Senior Scientist II

Managing cardiac safety screening programmes often feels a lot like playing a game of Tetris. But instead of one piece at a time, such as a compound delivery, an instrument slot or a client deadline, it is more like ten pieces arriving at once. And the point at which they come into view can vary wildly.

In cardiac safety, timing is everything. Some pieces move slowly, others drop fast, and when one arrives late the whole board shifts. That is the reality of delivering high quality cardiac safety data. Tight timelines, multiple moving parts and constant decision making to keep everything running smoothly.

Science in motion

VOLTA cardiac safety screeningAt Metrion, we specialise in cardiac safety screening, supporting clients to reliably evaluate the proarrhythmic and cardiotoxic liabilities of their compounds. That includes studies such as GLP hERG testing, CiPA screening and advanced ion channel screening.

But the science is only part of the challenge. The real work is fitting all the pieces together in real time while ensuring the data remains robust, interpretable and ready to inform decisions.

When the board shifts

I can plan for a straightforward week of screening with manageable timelines, but then a last minute request, an issue with an instrument or an unexpected result drops in out of nowhere.

That is when programme management becomes more than scheduling.

It becomes about judgement.

  • Is this result real or an artefact?
  • Does it change the client’s risk profile?
  • What is the next best experiment?
  • How do we keep the project moving without compromising quality?

Occasionally, a really awkward piece lands in such a way that I have to quickly juggle everything else around it. I can plan as much as I like, but I also have to stay flexible and ready to adapt at a moment’s notice.

Thinking five pieces ahead

So I am always thinking several steps ahead.

  • What is due to arrive next?
  • Where might the bottleneck be?
  • How does this change in priority affect everything else on the board?

This is where Metrion’s strength really comes through. Our cardiac safety team is led by experts with exceptional ion channel electrophysiology and drug discovery expertise, supported by experienced cell biologists who create novel cell lines and robust assay systems.

It is that depth of scientific experience that allows us not just to run assays, but to interpret them, troubleshoot them and guide clients through complex safety decisions.

No pause button

Some days, it feels like there is no pause button at all.

Screening lists, questions, platform availability and unexpected results all stack up, but it is my job to keep the lines clearing.

One hour I could be screening on the QPatch. The next, I could be attending a client call to discuss the assays we offer on the VOLTA platform. And the hour after that, I might be writing to another client to explain an unexpected finding and what it means for their programme.

The pressure builds quickly, piece by piece, so again, communication is key.I’ve worked with a lot of CROs around the world and I really liked working with Metrion.

Clients always appreciate a quick update over complete silence, and at Metrion we pride ourselves on not just excellent client communication, but also detailed reporting and interpretation of results - we ensure that every report is not just a summary but a strategic tool, designed to support your decision-making and move your research forward with confidence.

Behind the scenes my colleagues assist, because at Metrion cardiac safety screening is a team effort built on collaboration and expertise.

Clearing the lines

Ultimately, what I enjoy most is completing the lines and clearing the board.

When timelines align, assays run well, data drops cleanly into place and clients have clear answers, there is a Tetris like satisfaction to it all.

That is what Metrion delivers. Not just high quality screening, but the scientific insight, flexibility and reliability that clients need to keep drug discovery moving forward with confidence. Read more about choosing Metrion as your CRO.

In cardiac safety, every piece matters, and having the right experts on your team makes all the difference.

Contact us to discuss your next project.

Metrion is a contract research organisation (CRO) specialising in high-quality preclinical drug discovery services.
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