Ion Channel Biology

Pursuing Novel Drug Treatments

Ion channels, proteins that regulate the excitability of cells, represent an important class of drug targets.  Drugs that modulate ion channels play an important role in treating a variety of neurological and cardiovascular conditions.  Among ion channel targets, potassium channels play a key role in the pathophysiology of epilepsy and other unmet needs in diseases of the nervous system.  Knopp has initiated an effort to synthesize novel potassium channel openers as candidates for further development in epilepsy, neuropathic pain, or both.

Knopp has initiated an effort to identify novel selective Kv7 openers, building on the significant experience of its scientific leadership in characterizing and exploting the pharmacology of potassium channels. As in the case of the mitochondrial discovery platform, the Kv7 program provides the opportunity to secure strong patent positions.  From a scientific and operational perspective, the Kv7 discovery program also creates the opportunity to exploit synergies with Knopp's mitochondrial program, creating efficiencies in efforts directed to ion channel biology, pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry.