Metrion Biosciences & Venomtech Announce Research Collaboration

Metrion Biosciences Limited (Metrion), the specialist ion channel CRO and drug discovery company, and Venomtech Limited (Venomtech) a biotechnology company with the UK’s largest venom library, recently announced a collaboration agreement that will see the two companies combine their resources and expertise to search for novel ion channel modulators for use in drug discovery research.

By combining the expertise and screening capabilities of Metrion with Venomtech’s diverse venom collection, knowledge of venom-based drug discovery, hit prioritization and bio-guided fractionation capability, this partnership aims to identify, and rapidly exploit, novel tools for ion channel drug discovery research.

Venoms are well proven sources of potent and selective ion channel modulators, and have provided the foundation for many ion channel drug discovery programs to date. Metrion will screen a targeted selection of Venomtech’s venom library against a panel of prioritized ion channel targets to search for, identify, and characterize new ion channel modulators and binding sites. Venomtech will use phylogenetic and geographical diversity analysis to design and build a targeted venom discovery array.

“The Metrion team is very pleased to add Venomtech to our network of collaborators. Via this partnership, we can rapidly explore the UK’s largest venom collection for novel pharmacological tools for use in ion channel assay development, validation, and drug discovery research. The results of this partnership could significantly boost the chances of successful drug discovery against our prioritized ion channel targets, and Metrion is looking forward to a highly productive working relationship,” said Dr Andrew Southan, Head of Commercial Operations at Metrion Biosciences.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to combine our knowledge and expertise in venom-based drug discovery with the great team at Metrion and their electrophysiology excellence. This combination of skills is set to solve many of the challenges of getting good drugs for ion channel targets,” added Steve Trim, Founder and Managing Director, Venomtech.

Metrion Biosciences is a specialist ion-channel contract research organization and drug discovery business. The company provides customers with access to a range of high quality ion channel assays on a fee-for-service or collaboration basis. Metrion Biosciences’ specialist ion channel expertise includes an industry leading panel of in vitro cardiac ion channel safety assays, translational native cell and phenotypic assays for neurological and cardiotoxicity testing, and a range of other ion channel screening services, such as cell line development and optimization. Metrion Biosciences is able to provide tailored assay formats, data analysis and reporting solutions, effective project management, and quality assured data packages. For more information, visit www.metrionbiosciences.com.

Venomtech is a growing biotech company that is helping to improve human health with the power of venoms. We hold the UKs largest venomous animal library and specialize in providing solutions to drug discovery, cosmetic, and crop protection challenges, using venom-derived peptides and other molecules. Using our expertise in venomous animal husbandry and venom biochemistry, we have developed a wide range of Targeted – Venom Discovery Arrays and provide a full hit-to-lead/deconvolution service. Our approach has delivered hits, for our drug discovery clients, against many target classes, including ion channels, orphan GPCRs, and membrane transporters. Along with our cosmetics partner, Mibelle Chemistry (Switzerland), we have recently launched SensAmone P5 (a biomimetic peptide, based on a sea anemone protein) which targets TrpV1 and calms sensitive skin and reduces skin irritation. For more information, visit www.venomtech.co.uk.