Frequently Asked Questions

We screen the full breadth of human ion channels relevant to drug discovery:

• Voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav1.1–Nav1.9)
• Calcium channels (Cav1.2, T-type Cav3.2)
• Potassium channels: hERG/Kv11.1, the Kv1.x family, Kv7.x, KCa3.1
• Ligand-gated receptors: GABA-A, NMDA, nicotinic
• TRP channels: TRPA1, TRPV1
• Custom and emerging targets developed on request

Yes. ChanPharm has extensive experience developing custom cell lines, intracellular/extracellular solutions, and voltage/ligand protocols for emerging targets — including TRP family channels (TRPV1, TRPM8), purinergic P2X receptors, ASICs, HCN channels, and two-pore-domain potassium channels. If your target isn't on a standard CRO menu, we'll design the assay from scratch — see our custom assays page for examples.

Yes — and this is where our biophysical depth pays off. We provide IC₅₀/EC₅₀ determinations, state-dependent block analysis, use-dependence, kinetic characterisation, and selectivity profiling across multiple ion channel families. Each study comes with an expert interpretation that helps medicinal chemists understand which structural features drive potency and selectivity.

ChanPharm operates:

• The Nanion SyncroPatch 384 for high-throughput automated patch clamp (up to ~20,000 data points per day)
• The Nanion Patchliner for medium-throughput automated work
• Manual patch clamp rigs for gold-standard mechanism-of-action studies
• Multi-electrode arrays (MEA) for network-level recordings
• A Kinetix sCMOS camera for high-speed calcium and voltage imaging

On the SyncroPatch 384 we routinely deliver up to 20,000 single-cell patch clamp data points per day. For lower compound counts requiring detailed kinetics or state-dependence, Patchliner and manual patch clamp provide higher-quality giga-seal recordings at lower throughput.

We use MEA for network-level screening (high throughput, integrated electrophysiology) and follow up with manual or automated patch clamp to pinpoint the underlying single-cell mechanism — voltage-gated channel block, receptor antagonism, kinetic effects. This MEA→patch funnel is much more informative than either readout alone.

The Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA) is a regulatory-aligned framework for evaluating drug-induced arrhythmia risk. It combines multi-channel patch clamp data (hERG, Nav1.5, Cav1.2, Cav3.2, Kir2.1, Kv4.3/KChIP, Kv7.1/MinK), iPSC-cardiomyocyte functional readouts, and in silico ventricular action-potential modelling. ChanPharm's cardiac panel covers all CiPA reference channels.

Yes. We combine multi-channel patch clamp data with iPSC-cardiomyocyte MEA recordings and in silico ventricular action-potential simulations to estimate Torsadogenic risk holistically — fully aligned with the CiPA framework. See our in silico cardiotoxicity service for details.

Standard hERG IC₅₀ studies are typically delivered within 2–3 weeks of compound receipt. Expedited timelines are available for early-stage discovery support.

Human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes and neurons recapitulate human-specific ion channel expression and electrophysiology far better than rodent or recombinant models. This reduces late-stage translation failure for cardiac and CNS programmes — a documented contributor to clinical attrition. See our stem cell studies page for more.

Yes. We run spheroid and organoid formats alongside 2D cultures when tissue-level interactions or extended maturation are critical for the question. 3D models better recapitulate in vivo electrophysiology for both cardiac and CNS contexts.

Standard hERG and single-target screening projects typically start within 1 week of compound receipt. Custom assay development (new cell line or new protocol) requires 1–4 weeks of optimisation before screening begins. We work flexibly with client timelines — expedited starts and rolling deliveries can be arranged when programmes need data fast for go/no-go decisions.

Email office@chanpharm.com with a brief description of your compound set, target, and study goals — or use the contact form. We typically respond within one business day with a project plan and indicative pricing.

Target ion channel(s), compound count and quantities available, desired readouts (e.g. IC₅₀, selectivity panel, mechanism-of-action), preferred platform (SyncroPatch 384, Patchliner, MEA, manual patch clamp), and timeline. If you're unsure — just describe the question; we'll suggest the right approach.

DMSO stocks (typically 10 mM) are preferred for most assays. Compound quantity depends on study scope — usually <1 mg per IC₅₀ determination on automated platforms. We can also work with powders or pre-formulated solutions. Stability, solubility, and pH constraints are discussed at project setup.

Yes. We routinely operate under client CDAs and MTAs. Standard project setup includes mutual confidentiality coverage; all compound structures, data, and results remain the property of the client.

ChanPharm GmbH is headquartered at Leidesdorfgasse 14, 1190 Vienna, Austria, with research operations at Am Kanal 27, 1110 Vienna, Austria. We work with pharmaceutical and biotech clients worldwide.

Every recording is screened against pre-defined seal-resistance, access-resistance, and current-stability thresholds. Cells failing QC are excluded automatically. All raw data files are archived and provided alongside the processed analyses — you receive the underlying recordings, not just the summary numbers.

Our reports go beyond IC₅₀ tables. Each study includes biophysical interpretation — voltage-dependence, frequency-dependence, mechanism-of-action — and a discussion section that translates findings into implications for the medicinal chemistry team. Led by Prof. Steffen Hering, our team has 45+ years of ion-channel pharmacology expertise.

Three things distinguish our work:

1. Depth of analysis. We provide full biophysical interpretation of the data — voltage-dependence, state-dependent block, kinetics, mechanism-of-action — not just summary IC₅₀/EC₅₀ numbers.
2. Flexibility. We adapt protocols, solutions, and pulse paradigms to your specific scientific question rather than forcing your project into a fixed assay template.
3. Reporting. Our written reports are significantly more detailed than typical industry reports — raw traces, fitted curves, methodology, QC summaries, and a discussion section interpreting the biophysical implications for your programme.