Zenas Technologies

Zenas Technologies, founded by William J. Crumb, Jr., Ph.D in 1996, was the first CRO to offer cardiac ion channel screening services.  Dr. Crumb was among the first to prove block of the hERG potassium channel as the mechanism for delayed repolarization and sudden cardiac death linked to non-cardiac drugs, such as terfenadine (Seldane).  Zenas also provided the data used to formulate current regulatory guidelines for testing compounds for hERG block.  The services that Zenas Technologies provide are:

• Cardiac Ion Channel Assays:

Native Human Cardiac Myocytes - Whenever possible, Zenas uses ion currents recorded from acutely isolated human atrial or ventricular myocytes, the same cells your compound will be exposed to in patients.

hERG and Ion Channel Assays at Physiologic Temperatures - Zenas performs a more accurate hERG safety assay at physiologic temperatures and provides a proprietary model of analysis to convert the raw data into useable data, in order to determine the hERG liability associated with compounds at various concentrations. With this Zenas-developed model, the results of the hERG assay can be translated into changes QT prolongation—a key clinical marker.

• Comprehensive Cardiovascular Studies:

Cardiac Action Potential  - At Zenas, we use human cardiac myocytes, as well as other species types, in our proven action potential assays.  Action potentials differ dramatically in both morphology and duration depending on the species. Using human cardiac myocytes, we eliminate extraneous findings to provide an accurate, comprehensive evaluation of the ion channel blocking properties of a compound.  Of course, if our clients request other species types for the sake of comparison, we are able to provide those assays in canine, guinea pig atrial or ventricular myocytes as well.

Ventricular Wedge Assay - A powerful and sensitive assay for identifying potentially arrhythmogenic compounds.  Offering an additional level of integrated testing, this assay is designed for clients looking for detailed measurements of transmural activity — from endo-myocardium, to mid-myocardium, to epicardium.

Small Animal ECG - A technique for recording the composite electrical activity of the heart, using minimal amounts of compound.  This model assesses the effects of modulating ion channels and autonomic receptors on the heart in anesthetized animals.

• CNS Ion Currents Assay:

Building on our cardiovascular expertise, Zenas offers CNS assays as well.  These assays screen compounds against neuronal ion channels to help clients identify compounds for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain as well as determine a potential CNS side effect. Zenas is able to provide these studies using native cells as well as expression systems.

• Consulting Services:
  

Our consulting services help our clients make key decisions on leading drug candidates early in the development process.  The Zenas brand of expertise is unparalleled in the industry. We help clients design and interpret their in vitro electrophysiology as well as their cardiovascular pharmacology and safety studies.  Our collaborations range from answering the most specific questions on ECG interpretations to providing broader anti-arrhythmic development guidance.

Zenas assays replicate human physiology as closely as possible.  In keeping with this principle, Zenas is the only CRO to develop the methodology routinely using native human cardiac myocytes to screen Na, Ca and K ion channels.  These unique assays are the most accurate and physiologically meaningful ways to analyze a compound in vitro.  In addition, virtually all of the Zenas in vitro assays are performed at physiologic temperatures providing significantly higher accuracy and relevant results.

Attention to detail has enabled Zenas to provide hERG data which doesn’t just yield an IC50 value, but for the first time, can actually predict the amount of QT prolongation associated with a drug.

Zenas has evaluated many thousands of compounds for hundreds of clients worldwide, generating the most accurate results possible.  Client focus, unbeatable turnaround time, and fair pricing are the cornerstones of Zenas’ impeccable worldwide reputation as an ion channel CRO.

www.zenastech.com