The latest technology in ion channel drug discovery will be discussed at a two-day meeting to be held at the Nucleus Conference Facility – Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden, UK, on October 9th and 10th 2008. Jointly organized by BioFocus DPI and Molecular Devices, now part of MDS Analytical Technologies, the meeting will focus on screening technologies such as automated patch-clamp, and how these have revolutionized ion channel research. The combination of tightly controlled assay conditions and generation of high fidelity screening data with enhanced throughput capacity has been instrumental in making ion channels a prime focus for drug discovery researchers.

An authoritative panel of experienced pharmaceutical industry scientists has been assembled to present their latest research and discuss the potential impact of future developments on ion channel research strategy. In addition to the keynote lecture from Amgen, user presentations from AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis and BioFocus DPI, there will be interactive workshops designed to give attendees opportunities to share knowledge and gain experience in this rapidly emerging field. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their own posters for display.

The event is free to attend. However, registration is limited to 150 delegates. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

For further information please visit www.moleculardevices.com/events or www.biofocusdpi.com

About BioFocus DPI

BioFocus DPI aims to expand its partners’ drug pipelines by accelerating the gene-to-candidate discovery process. This is achieved through a comprehensive discovery platform, which includes target discovery in human primary cells, focused as well as diverse compound libraries, in vitro and cell-based screening, medicinal chemistry and ADME/PK services, supported by unique chemogenomic and informatics tools. As the service division of Galapagos, BioFocus DPI has over 300 employees in five countries worldwide.

About Molecular Devices

Molecular Devices supplies high-performance bioanalytical measurement systems that accelerate and improve drug discovery and other life sciences research. Its systems and consumables enable pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to leverage advances in genomics and combinatorial chemistry by facilitating the high-throughput and cost-effective identification and evaluation of drug candidates.