The Kv11.1 channel, a potassium ion channel encoded by the human ether-à-go-go-related (hERG) gene (thus also referred to as hERG channel), plays a very critical role in the cardiac action potential repolarization (phase 3). Inhibition of hERG function causes lengthening of ventricular action potential duration and is the most common mechanism of QT interval prolongation. Therefore, evaluating effects of compounds on hERG activity early in drug discovery can greatly reduce the risk of putting extensive efforts in cardiotoxic drugs and prevent them from entering the market. ICH S7B guideline regulates in vitro I_Kr assay (such as hERG safety assay) and in vitro QT assay for identifying and assessing the potential of a test compound to delay ventricular repolarization.

Staffed with a group of experts that have gained years of experience in ion channel safety assays and cardiotoxicity assessment, Creative Bioarray offers hERG safety assay in accordance with the ICH S7B guideline to evaluate compound cardiovascular safety and to support drug development.

hERG Inhibition assays (screens or GLP-compliant, pre-IND assays) offer extraordinary sensitivity, much greater than whole-organ assays, or whole-animal assays. Of course, proper study design and data interpretation decreases the risk of false positives resulting from this immense sensitivity. It is therefore imperative, when considering hERG inhibition patch-clamp data, to obtain expert interpretation, usually from the study director who oversaw the study.