Personalised medicine moves a step closer

[Guest guest]

http://www.pharmafocus.com/cda/focusH/1,2109,21-0-0-DEC_2004-focus_news_deta

il-0-301999,00.html

Personalised medicine moves a step closer

Thursday , December 30, 2004

Doctors will be able to use genetic information to determine the best drug

dosage for individual patients following approval of a new test developed by

Roche and Affymetrix.

A new diagnostic tool the AmpliChip CYP450 Test analyses two genes which

play key roles in the metabolism of drugs in major therapeutic areas

including antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta-blockers and some

chemotherapy drugs.

The test detects variations in the Cytochrome P450 2D6 and 2C19 genes and

determines how fast a patient will metabolise a drug, fitting into one of

four categories - poor, intermediate, extensive or ultra-rapid metaboliser.

Differing rates of metabolism is one of the major reasons why some drugs are

more effective in some people than others, and the developers say it will

bring the practice of personalised medicine closer.

The test, which was cleared for use in the European Union in September, has

now also been approved by the FDA.

Acting FDA Commissioner Dr Lester Crawford said: " Physicians can use the

genetic information from this test to prevent harmful drug interactions and

to assure drugs are used optimally, which in some cases will enable patients

to avoid less effective or potentially harmful treatment choices. "