Press Release:
AstraZeneca scientists validate QPatch-16 automated patch clamp system for drug discovery SAFETY SCREENING.
Ballerup, Denmark (April 29, 2005). Sophion Bioscience A/S (Ballerup, Denmark) announced today that electrophysiologists at AstraZeneca’s R&D site in Mölndal (Sweden) have validated the QPatch automated patch clamp system. The validation studies with the hERG ion channel were completed earlier this month. AstraZeneca is integrating automated patch clamping into its ion channel drug discovery programs in order to speed-up the processes of screening and research involving ion channels, which are traditionally studied using the patch-clamp technique.
“This validation from a serious Pharma player confirms the superiority of the Sophion automated patch clamp system”, said Torsten Freltoft, Ph.D., Sophion’s CEO. “It adds to the extensive list of validation documentation on the QPatch system as an effective and robust screening technology for highly sophisticated ion channel recordings.”
In the process of validating the QPatch system, the scientists at AstraZeneca provided Sophion with valuable feedback. This collaboration resulted in new features and capabilities that were not available before. The end result is a powerful automated patch clamp system with unique features that will bolster ion channel studies at pharmaceutical/biotech companies and academic laboratories.
“QPatch is a valuable addition to our ion channel program”, noted Ingemar Jacobson, Ph.D., Principal Scientist at AstraZeneca. “Thanks to the unique features of the QPlate technology we are able to perform serious high-quality patch clamp screening and this is really a prerequisite for efficient development of ion channel modulators.”
About Sophion Bioscience A/S
Sophion’s sole focus is to provide advanced products and integrated solutions for automated patch clamping. Sophion’s first product is QPatch 16. Sophion Bioscience A/S was founded in July 2000, emerging from a successful research and development program at NeuroSearch A/S (Denmark). QPatch 16 is an automated patch clamp system that provides high-quality patch clamp data on a truly industrial basis. QPatch 16 is the first system in its class with integrated cell preparation and plate exchange facilities enabling several hours of unattended operation. The unique flow channel system implemented in the consumable QPlates enables fast liquid exchange around the cell and provides the option to test multiple compounds or concentrations on the same cell. QPatch 16 has been commercially available since late 2004. For more information about QPatch and/or Sophion, please contact: Torsten Freltoft, Ph.D., CEO of Sophion Bioscience A/S: tof@sophion.dk. (see also www.sophion.dk).
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