K_V channels are voltage-gated potassium channels that open in response to membrane depolarization thus serving as key elements after cell repolarization. K_V channels regulate numerous physiological processes. K_V2 channels are widely expressed in the CNS, pancreas and smooth muscle.

RY796 is a synthetic blocker of the K_V2.1 and K_V2.2 channels. It has an effective concentration of 0.1-10 µM and an IC50 of 0.09 µM and 0.25 µM for the K_V2.1 and K_V2.2 channels respectively. RY796 has greater selectivity for K_V2 channels over other K_V channels out of 1894 compounds in a study conducted by Herrington, J. et al. In addition, RY796 does not affect other ion channels such as sodium and calcium.

RY796 blocks the K_V channel in a use and dose dependent manner¹. In an experiment examining the role of K_V channels in the regulation of insulin and somatostatin release from pancreatic islets, RY796 caused an increase of GSIS (glucose stimulated insulin secretion) in vitro however not producing the same effect in live mice. RY796 was also found to increase glucose stimulated somatostatin release from pancreatic δ-cells².