Fluxion Biosciences has signed a distribution agreement with EMD Millipore, the Life Science division of Merck KGaA of German, for it’s PrecisION range of ion channel cell lines. The non-exclusive distribution agreement will combine Fluxion’s IonFlux automated patch clamp instrumentation with EMD Millipore’s broad suite of ion channel cell lines.

Through the agreement, Fluxion will provide IonFlux customers with cell lines that have been performance validated on the IonFlux automated patch clamp platform, eliminating the risk and delays associated with the assay optimization process.

The IonFlux system tests ion channels by automating the traditional “patch clamp” technique, which allows the promising yet challenging ion channel drug target class to be screened in a physiologically relevant context. Ideal for a range of ion channel screening applications requiring 10 to 10,000 or more assays per day, the IonFlux automated patch clamp system combines flexibility and simplicity with time and cost savings. The recent introduction of the single cell giga-seal consumable completes the system capabilities that include high success rate cell ensemble recording and continuous perfusion. The IonFlux system provides an extremely compact plate reader format, making it ideal for users from individual researchers to high throughput screening centres. A broad range of global biopharmaceutical companies and leading academic institutions has adopted the IonFlux system, including Pfizer, Novartis, Genentech, Sanofi-Aventis, Cornell, University of Melbourne, University of Michigan, and University of Wisconsin.

“Our goal in the development of the IonFlux system was to provide not only the highest performance automated patch clamp system on the market, but also to make it the most affordable and easiest to use”, noted Jeff Jensen, Fluxion’s CEO. “We exceeded our goals and have now placed IonFlux systems in numerous screening labs, but also in many laboratories that lacked either the expertise or the budget for a typical automated patch clamp system. Successful electrophysiology assays are critically dependent on working with the right cell line and tailored recording protocols. Fluxion has removed this hurdle by developing optimized assays, including buffer formulations, cell preparation instructions, and protocols, that utilize commercially available cell lines. Validating and distributing EMD Millipore’s industry-leading PrecisION cell lines in combination with our IonFlux systems allows us to provide a complete, fully validated ion channel assay solution.”

EMD Millipore’s renowned PrecisION Ion Channel cell lines are the industry standard for electrophysiology screening and profiling. PrecisION cell lines offer the broadest range of ion channel cell lines validated for use on automated patch clamp and conventional patch rigs. A wide range of cell lines is available for cell culture or as cryo-preserved Ready-to-Assay cells. “Our goal is to provide validated cell lines that deliver the highest performance across the broadest range of applications”, stated Umesh Patel, director, Lead Discovery at EMD Millipore. “Providing cells through Fluxion that have been fully validated on their IonFlux system is a natural extension of these goals, and it provides our customers with a complete, one-stop solution for their electrophysiology screening and profiling needs.”

The availability of PrecisION cell lines through Fluxion is effective immediately. A broad range of IonFlux-validated cell lines is available, including hERG, GABA, and sodium channels.