Abstract

hERG (human
Ether-a go-go-Related Gene) is a voltage gated ion channel expressed in cardiac
tissue. Blockade of the hERG ion channel can lead to prolongation of cardiac
repolarisation (long QT syndrome) and ventricular arrhythmia (torsade de
points).  Drug induced LQTS is the most
common reason for drug withdrawal in the last ten years and therefore is a
major contributor to attrition in drug development.

We have
developed a robust, reproducible high throughput whole cell patch clamp assay
methodology using the Sophion Qube 384^TM which provides higher
fidelity recordings and improved reliability in prediction of activity compared
to traditional “giga-ohm seal” electrophysiology methods.

Performing this
test alongside primary efficacy measurements early in the drug development
process will result in a reduction in late stage attrition, and its associated
costs, due to hERG activity.