Metrion Biosciences Limited, an ion channel contract research and drug discovery company, appointed Robert Kirby chief operating officer and Edward Stevens chief scientific officer.

The expansion of the senior leadership team aims to enable Metrion to continue to evolve its ion channel drug discovery service capabilities. 

In his role as director of operations, Kirby oversaw Metrion’s recent site move and doubling of staff, implementation of refined health and safety and compliance resources, and the introduction of multiple efficiency and quality initiatives. Prior to joining Metrion, Kirby was a principal scientist at Xention Ltd. where for seven years he led multiple screening campaigns for a variety of ion channel targets, using automated patch clamp electrophysiology and fluorescence-based screening platforms.

As director of drug discovery, Stevens has been driving Metrion’s scientific strategy to develop new assays, has been program leader for strategic collaborations, and co-authored successful Innovate UK grant applications. Stevens joined Metrion from Ario Pharma, where he was chief scientific officer. Prior to that, he held multiple senior ion channel drug discovery positions at Pfizer and Charles River.

Andy Southan, chief executive, Metrion Biosciences, said, “I am very pleased to announce these senior management appointments. The promotions reflect Metrion’s ethos of appointing staff of the highest quality at all levels and promoting from within wherever possible. Robert and Edward have already proven that they bring first-class strategic, operational, and scientific focus to the company, at a senior level.”

Robert Kirby, COO, Metrion Biosciences, said, “Metrion is expanding its operations and ion channel drug discovery capabilities globally and I am delighted to be stepping into this role to guide the Company through this exciting phase of commercial growth.”