Metrion Biosciences launches validated high-throughput Nav1.9 screening assay for chronic pain research
Cambridge-based contract research organisation Metrion Biosciences has unveiled a breakthrough high-throughput screening assay targeting the Nav1.9 voltage-gated sodium channel, addressing a critical bottleneck in non-opioid pain therapeutic development. The validated assay platform promises to accelerate drug discovery programmes by overcoming traditional limitations that have hindered Nav1.9 research for years.
Targeting a challenging but promising pain pathway
Nav1.9 represents a compelling therapeutic target due to its selective expression in peripheral sensory neurones and established role in pain signalling. Human genetic studies have demonstrated that mutations in Nav1.9 can cause both severe pain conditions and complete pain insensitivity, highlighting its critical function in nociception. However, the channel’s inherent instability in heterologous expression systems has severely limited screening capabilities until now.
“The availability of effective assays to study the Nav1.9 sodium channel has been a major stumbling block that has held back development of the next generation of non-opioid pain therapeutics,” said Dr Eddy Stevens, Chief Scientific Officer at Metrion Biosciences.
Technical innovations enable robust screening
Metrion’s solution centres on a stable, validated CHO cell line specifically engineered for Nav1.9 expression. The assay has been optimised in-house to deliver high reproducibility and low variability, with both human and rat-derived clones available to assess species selectivity – a crucial consideration for translational research.
The platform integrates seamlessly with Metrion’s existing portfolio, completing a comprehensive suite of pain-related sodium channel assays spanning Nav1.1 through Nav1.9. This enables complete selectivity profiling alongside off-target counter screens and cardiac safety assessment through CiPA panel integration.
Accelerating drug discovery timelines
The automated patch clamp technology utilises the Qube 384 platform for rapid analysis of large compound libraries, while manual clampbased assays provide mechanistic insights. This dual approach supports both high-throughput screening and detailed pharmacological characterisation within integrated workflows.
“Metrion is now able to offer a unique combination of sodium channel expertise, high-throughput screening solutions and research services,” Stevens added. “By facilitating streamlined compound evaluation and accelerated lead optimisation, this service offering has the potential to bring novel pain therapeutics to market rapidly and more cost-effectively.”
The launch represents a significant advancement in ion channel drug discovery capabilities, potentially unlocking new therapeutic opportunities for chronic pain management without opioid dependency risks.
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Dr Eddy Stevens,
Chief Scientific Officer, Metrion Biosciences
