Metrion Biosciences, a specialist ion channel contract research organization (CRO) and drug discovery company, and AMRI, a global contract research, development and manufacturing organization, have signed a new collaboration agreement. The alliance will promote Metrion’s electrophysiology and ion channel screening expertise to global pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.

AMRI will be able to offer its customers access to Metrion’s broad portfolio of assay tools and technologies for ion channel screening, cardiac safety profiling and neuroscience applications. Metrion’s customers will benefit in turn from ready access to AMRI’s suite of integrated drug discovery solutions, including expertise in medicinal chemistry, high content imaging, cell-based assays, high-throughput screening and screening by mass spectrometry.

“We are impressed with AMRI’s depth of expertise, range of drug discovery services and technologies, and track record of success,” said Andrew Southan, chief operating officer, Metrion. “The combination of Metrion’s ion channel expertise and AMRI’s drug discovery services allows the companies to offer clients a uniquely comprehensive and highly skilled approach to novel ion channel targets. The collaboration also gives Metrion broader access to North American markets.”

Rory Curtis, vice president, discovery biology and pharmacology, and site head of AMRI Buffalo, said, “Ion channel drug discovery is of high interest to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, so it is logical that we would partner with one of the leaders in this field. Metrion offers expertise across a range of important ion channel services that complement AMRI’s traditional drug discovery portfolio, providing a comprehensive solution to customers looking to develop new drugs against ion channel targets.”