Channel Therapeutics, a pharmaceutical startup established by Mercer University College of Pharmacy faculty members Dr. Clinton Canal and Dr. Nader Moniri, has been recognized with the Entrepreneur and Innovation Award from the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA). The award highlights the company’s efforts to develop new therapies for bradycardia, a condition characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate.
Dr. Lydia Newsom, clinical associate professor at Mercer, serves as the clinical advisor for Channel Therapeutics. She plays a key role in connecting laboratory research with patient care.
Bradycardia affects between 0.5% and 2% of people globally. Current treatment relies on atropine, a drug that increases heart rate but is not selective in its action. Atropine blocks all five muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, which can lead to side effects such as cognitive impairment, memory loss, urinary retention, and constipation. Due to these risks, atropine is typically used only for short-term hospital care; long-term options are limited mainly to pacemakers.
“Bradycardia continues to be treated with decades-old, poorly selective drugs,” said Dr. Canal. “By targeting the M2 muscarinic receptor subtype with precision, we have the potential to deliver a safer, more effective therapy that meets a critical unmet medical need.”
Previous attempts to create drugs that selectively block the M2 receptor have failed due to lack of selectivity and did not reach clinical use. Channel Therapeutics has developed compounds designed to selectively block the M2 receptor while sparing others. This approach could improve treatment for patients with chronic or acute bradycardia or bradyarrhythmia.
Founded in 2021, Channel Therapeutics holds patents on over 60 molecules and has two preclinical leads showing strong affinity and selectivity for the M2 receptor. These candidates are undergoing early safety and efficacy tests ahead of planned clinical trials. Mercer University will retain ownership of this technology while Channel Therapeutics licenses it.
The company’s selective M2 antagonists may eventually replace atropine both in hospitals—such as during ablation surgery for atrial fibrillation—and in outpatient management of persistent bradycardia or bradyarrhythmia. There are currently no selective therapies available on the market for these conditions.
The GRA’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship program has supported university-based startups across Georgia since 2003 by providing funding, mentorship, industry connections, attracting investment, creating science jobs, generating tax revenue for the state, fostering collaboration between universities and industry partners, and encouraging faculty entrepreneurship.
Dr. Moniri stated: “This award from GRA validates the importance of our work and gives us the resources to take first steps towards advancing two promising candidates to the clinic. We are excited to move closer to offering cardiologists and patients a new standard of care.”
