Nanion’s automated patch clamp platforms show unparalleled results using stem cell derived cardiomyocytes

The Patchliner and the SyncroPatch 96 have successfully been used for compound analysis under current- and voltage clamp recording conditions using different stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. The exceptional cell-platform-compatibility and the unique experimental possibilities offered by Nanion’s platforms open up whole new avenues for compound safety testing.

Pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes have tremendous potentials for cardiac safety and efficacy testing of drug candidates. By offering an authentic cellular environment they are closer to the actual physiological situation compared to cell lines with over-expressed ion channels. All Nanion's patch clamp platforms, the Port-a-Patch, the Patchliner and the SyncroPatch 96, show exceptional compatibility with stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes provided by Axiogenesis, CDI and Geron/GE Healthcare.

In a joint publication of Nanion and Axiogenesis (Journal of Biomolecular Screening, 2011 July 20), drug-induced modulation of cardiac action potentials using the Port-a-Patch and Patchliner were shown for the first time. Stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes have also been investigated on the SyncroPatch 96, recording from 96 cells in parallel under voltage clamp conditions. Stable whole-cell recordings were obtained with high success rates and expected cardiac currents were recorded (K⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺).

Ralf Kettenhofen, Senior Scientist of Axiogenesis, says:

"At Axiogenesis, we were very impressed of the high success rates quickly obtained with Nanion's platforms. In our view, the combination of an in vitro cardiac cell model together with higher throughput patch clamp screening technology such as the Patchliner, allows for a cost effective cardiotoxicity prediction in a physiologically relevant cell system."

Axiogenesis is a provider of pure rodent embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (Cor.At) which have been proven to be a predictive tool in preclinical cardiac safety assessment and drug discovery and development. The Cor.At cardiomyocytes will now be complemented by human induced pluripotent stell cell-derived (Cor.4U) cardiomyocytes, which will be launched in Q1 2012.

Niels Fertig, CEO of Nanion Technologies continues:

"Over the past two years, the interest from the pharmaceutical industry in using stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes for safety testing purposes has grown dramatically. To meet this need we have developed our platforms to fit experimental requirements and industry quality standards. It is up to the user to decide: routine analysis in voltage clamp mode, or investigating the compound effect on action potentials since both screening modes are possible. No other APC platform on the market can compete with that at today's date."