Ion Channels as Targets in Drug Discovery

This book is built around ion channel research and, more specifically, ion channels as important therapeutic drug targets. Under the editorial leadership of Gary Stephens in academic research and Edward Stevens from industry, the aim is to bring these strands together to provide a cutting-edge translational reference on ion channel drug discovery.  Exploiting our knowledge of ion channel structure and function has clear current and future potential to intervene and correct the pathophysiology associated with debilitating conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, pain, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative disorders. Individual chapters have a disease focus, also providing a “case study story” that will also appeal to a clinical audience, while background information on a given ion channel is presented to provide a solid reference for undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.

Gary Stephens is Professor of Pharmacology at the School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, United Kingdom.  He is an in vitro electrophysiologist with an interest in voltage-gated calcium channels and G protein-coupled receptors.  He is a Senior Editor with the British Journal of Pharmacology and is on the Editorial Board of Pharmaceuticals.Edward Stevens is Chief Scientific Officer at Metrion Biosciences and has over 20 years’ experience of ion channel drug discovery within the biotech/pharma field.