Highly specialised and tailored neuronal assays to accelerate your drug discovery research for neurological disorders, including pain

Panel of models with increasing complexity and translational relevance

Our panel of models allow for more accurate prediction of human responses, reduce the risk of late-stage failures and provide a thorough understanding of drug mechanisms.

• Ion channel cell lines for both central and peripheral nervous system targets 
• Primary neuronal cultures, including dissociated cortical, trigeminal or dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from rodents  
• CNS drug discovery: Increase the likelihood of successful therapeutic outcomes
• Human iPSC-derived neurons 

Range of assay methodologies

A range of assay methodologies is vital in drug discovery because it ensures a thorough evaluation of drug candidates from multiple perspectives. This approach increases the likelihood of identifying effective and safe drugs, reduces the risk of late-stage failures, and supports the overall success of the drug development process. By leveraging diverse assays, researchers can optimize drug candidates, address challenges as they arise, and ultimately bring better therapies to market.

Heterologous cell lines and integrative assays

Screening of your compounds in a neuroscience setting is primarily driven by the fact that they have been designed to modulate CNS or peripheral nervous system targets and signalling pathways, including but not limited to ion channels. Our neuroscience experts can carry out this screening using heterologous cell lines expressing human or rodent neuronal proteins, as well as offering more integrative assays employing rodent and human cell lines or in acutely cultured native cells from the rodent peripheral and central nervous system.

Selectivity and safety profiling of lead compounds and IND candidates

Get insight to selectivity and safety profiling of lead compounds and IND candidates, either as part of an existing screening cascade or because in vivo testing revealed a neurological signal. We have have developed and validated an industry-standard rat cortical CNS neuron assay that can reliably detect the seizure-inducing liability of a wide range of reference compounds (as well as serve as a model to profile anti-epileptic drugs). We also offer have deep expertise with rodent dorsal root ganglion (DRG) sensory neurons which can be used to assess peripheral neurotoxicity.

Neuroscience screening and toxicity testing reaches the ultimate translational step when it is carried out in human iPSC-derived neurons, and primary cell cultures. The use of differentiated human stem cell-derived neurons also allows the creation of patient-derived and disease-specific translational assays, opening the door onto one of the more exciting aspects of modern drug discovery.

Studying ion channels on the lysosomal membrane

Studying ion channels on the lysosomal membrane is essential for understanding lysosomal function, cellular homeostasis, and the development of various diseases. This research has the potential to uncover new therapeutic targets and improve our knowledge of fundamental cellular processes.

Neuroscience resources