FlexStation 3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader: Characterization of hERG channel blockers using the FLIPR Potassium Assay Kit

Drug-induced inhibition of the human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) ion channel has been related to the susceptibility of patients to potentially fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmia, torsade de pointes. There has been an increased need for identifying compounds that block the hERG channel at earlier stages in the drug discovery process since a number of FDA-approved drugs were withdrawn from the market due to their off-target effect on hERG. This application note presents the utility of a new potassium assay kit on the FlexStation® 3 Multi-Mode Microplate Reader to investigate hERG compound activity.