Sophion announces the first commercial CHO-hERG cell line optimized for the QPatch automated patch clamp system

Sophion Bioscience A/S (Ballerup, Denmark) announced today an agreement with bSys (Basel, Switzerland) that allows Sophion to sell a CHO-hERG cell line fully optimized for and validated on the QPatch automated patch clamp system. The cell line was created by bSys and further developed by scientists at Sophion. These cells, marketed by Sophion as “CHO-hERG DUO” cells, are being sold to existing and new customers to maximize the quality and throughput of ion channel screening with the QPatch. By offering the CHO-hERG DUO cell line Sophion strengthens its position as a complete solution provider.

“We are extremely enthusiastic about making these optimized CHO-hERG cells available to QPatch customers,” said Morten Sunesen, Ph.D., Sophion’s Director of Customer Relations. “We hope to offer additional cell lines in the future.”

Automated patch clamp studies depend, to a great extent, on the quality of tissue culture cells used during experiments. Cells optimized for peak performance on the QPatch more readily achieve gigaohm seals and successful whole-cell recordings. Furthermore, all cells express enough ion channel protein for measurable whole cell currents, giving the maximal success rate possible.

“As a CRO, we are pleased to collaborate with Sophion to bring these optimized CHO-hERG cells to market,” noted Daniel Konrad, CEO of bSys. “Our collaboration with Sophion has enabled bSys to enter the automated patch clamp field.”