Pharmacological modulation of voltage-gated potassium channels as a therapeutic strategy

Importance of the field: The human genome encodes at least 40 distinct voltage-gated potassium channel subtypes, which vary in regional expression, pharmacological and biophysical properties. Voltage-dependent potassium (Kv) channels help orchestrate many of the physiological and pathophysiological processes that promote and sometimes hinder the healthy functioning of our bodies. Areas covered in this review: This review summarizes patent and scientific literature reports from the past decade highlighting the opportunities that Kv channels offer for the development of new therapeutic interventions for a wide variety of disorders. What the reader will gain: The reader will gain an insight from an analysis of the associations of different Kv family members with disease processes, summary and evaluation of the development of therapeutically relevant pharmacological modulators of these channels, particularly focusing on proprietary agents being developed. Take home message: Development of new drugs that target Kv channels continue to be of great interest but is proving to be challenging. Nevertheless, opportunities for Kv channel modulators to have an impact on a wide range of disorders in the future remain an exciting prospect.