Specialist ion channel CRO and drug discovery company Metrion Biosciences and LifeArc, an independent UK medical research charity, have extended their neuroscience drug discovery collaboration focused on the discovery of novel selective small-molecular modulators of a specific two-pore domain potassium ion channel target. This target has been identified as likely to be involved in neurological pathogenesis, and has now progressed into the hit-to-lead optimization phase. Initially signed in January 2019, the agreement was extended for the first time in December 2019 and following the achievement of mutually agreed criteria, LifeArc has now exercised the option to extend the programme for a further 12 months.

Under the terms of the agreement, Metrion provides validated ion channel and electrophysiology-based assays and safety profiling services and LifeArc uses its expertise to identify novel modulators of CNS ion channel targets and all new chemical syntheses, with Metrion evaluating the pharmacological activities of LifeArc compounds using both automated electrophysiology and manual patch clamp technologies.