Webinar
Ion channel drug discovery – Current trends and future opportunities
Webinar host by DDW
9 April 2025
16.00 CEST / 10.00 EDT / 07.00 PDT
About this webinar:
Ion channels are often regarded as ‘difficult’ drug discovery targets. This webinar, hosted by DDW and supported by Axxam, will provide data and insights showing that this negative perception is inaccurate and that there has been remarkable progress in bringing novel ion channel modulators into the clinic over the last decade.
The key factors influencing the selection of ion channel targets and their therapeutic applications will be explored, with real-world examples showcasing various ligand modalities, including small molecules, biologics (such as toxins and antibodies), and protein modulation pathways.
The webinar will feature Marc Rogers, Director at Albion Drug Discovery Services, and Jean-Francois Rolland, Director of Biological Sciences at Axxam.
Case studies will be provided to illustrate both successful projects and recent challenges for programmes targeting voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels in the periphery and CNS for a variety of both common and rare cardiac, musculo-skeletal, respiratory, renal, ophthalmological, pain, epilepsy and neuropsychiatric diseases.
You will learn:
- Why ion channels are important and tractable drug discovery targets
- Recent, current, and future ion channel targets and their therapeutic indications, including the latest high impact work on organellar ion channels
- Strengths and weaknesses of different drug discovery modalities targeting ion channels (small molecules, biologicals, protein modulation pathways)
A Q&A session with the speakers follows the webinar presentation.
Keywords: CNS, Drug discovery, Ion channel modulators, Therapeutic targets, Webinar.
Speakers:
Marc Rogers –Director, Albion Drug Discovery Services
Jean-Francois Rolland – Director of Biological Sciences, Axxam
After academic research as a neuroscientist and 20 years of commercial ion channel drug discovery that includes co-founding two companies, Marc Rogers is now a freelance consultant and science writer for academic, biotech and VC/PE clients worldwide. He enjoys sharing his expertise and enthusiasm for all aspects of ion channel screening.
Jean-Francois Rolland is Director of the Biological Sciences Department at Axxam (Italy), which he joined in 2011 to establish the electrophysiology laboratory and later led the Electrophysiology Group. Previously, he was Principal Scientist at Xention (UK), focusing on cell line validation and compound profiling for electrophysiology platforms, and coordinated several European research projects. He holds a postgraduate diploma in Electrophysiology, a PhD in Biomedical Sciences, and completed postdoctoral studies in Italy. With over 25 years of experience in ion channels, he has co-authored 35+ publications, holds a patent, and frequently presents at international scientific meetings.