Screening
agonist application of <10ms, the proper activation of fast desensitising ligand gated ion channels is possible. A comparative study, demonstrating the high data quality of the CytoPatch™ technology, was recently published in collaboration with Bayer Schering Pharma AG5. An additional software package manages the study set-up as well as the automated data analysis and allows a fast access of the raw data for analysis. Furthermore, the CytoPatch™ instrument is GLP compliant and fea- tures the possibility to withdraw compound after cell perfusion for HPLC analysis (Figure 17).
Figure 18: EMD Millipore’s Centre of Excellence for Cell Based Assays
the novel cytocentring chip technology that differs from the present patch clamp automation approaches. With an additional suction channel the cell is positioned on to the patch pipette first, the sealing process starts afterwards. The separation of the two process steps allows keeping the patch pipette clean by positive pressure. Giga-seals can be accomplished easily using CytoPatch™ technology. Seal-forcing chemicals, as Fluoride in the intracellu- lar solution, can be omitted. Another feature con- tributing to high data quality is the permanent per- fusion system. Two sophisticated liquid-handling systems enable a non-stop perfusion of the cell with either buffer or compound for several minutes. In addition, with an ultra-rapid and precisely triggered
EMD Millipore (
www.millipore.com/LeadDisc- overy) is the Life Science division of Merck KG&A, Germany, supporting research, development and production of biotech and pharmaceutical solu- tions. Its extensive range of recombinant PrecsION® ion channel cell lines expressing a vari- ety of biologically relevant targets are ideal for both manual and automated patch clamp systems. These purpose-built ion channel cell lines underpin a broad portfolio of high quality and well validated screening and profiling assays, including CardiacProfiler™ and IonChannelProfiler™ servic- es. Its service capabilities combine the range of ion channel cell lines with FLIPR and both manual and automated electrophysiology platforms. Whether profiling several compounds across a range of ion channels or screening thousands of compounds against a single channel, EMD’s product and serv- ice portfolio can provide the perfect complement to in-house programmes and meet requirements for turnaround, cost, data and quality (Figure 18).
Figure 19: Essen BioScience has two laboratory facilities (Ann Arbor, MI USA and Welwyn Garden City, UK). Our Ann Arbor facility is supported by three IonWorks systems, including the very first instrument (Serial #1) developed by Essen in the left-foreground of the photo
54
Essen Bioscience (
www.essenbioscience.com) is a privately held company specialising in cell-based assays. As inventors of two paradigm shifting ion channel assay technologies, IonWorks and FLIPR (both acquired by Molecular Devices), it has a deep understanding of the biological and technical requirements for constructing relevant and transla- tional ion channel assays. Its Discovery Services contract research division integrates cutting edge molecular biology, gene expression, electrophysiol- ogy (automated, manual patch clamp) and fluores- cence (eg Ca2+, Tl+ detection) methods to config- ure custom reagents, assays and integrated in vitro workflows for its clients. Managed and staffed by experienced ion channel drug discoverers, and with laboratories both in the US and UK, this provides a unique ion channel problem solving resource. Essen’s specialty is automated electrophysiology which it has been doing since 2002 with the man- ufacture and release of the first seven commercial
Drug Discovery World Fall 2011
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