The SLC22 family of organic cation and anion transporters mediate the transfer of a range of endogenous and xenobiotic compounds across the cell membrane. These transporters are pivotal in the absorption and excretion of a number of drug compounds, however, a structural understanding of their function and substrate selectivity is lacking. Here, we describe the initial progress towards the purification of one member, human organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1). OCT1 was recombinantly expressed in HEK293 cells and purified, revealing some features of its oligomerisation state. We also discuss strategies for cryo-EM sample preparation and data collection and how our initial model determined from cryo-EM compares to predicted models of OCT1. A high resolution structure of this transporter will help aid the identification of drug-drug interactions in current and future small molecule treatments.