Biology

UK regulator to consider EMA recommendation to avoid topiramate in pregnancy

Exclusive: The UK medicines regulator said it would carefully consider recommendations made by the European Medicines Agency, which were published following a review of data showing an increased risk of developmental disorders among children exposed to topiramate before birth.…

Pharmacists asked for views on implementing pharmacogenetics in the NHS

Participants in a survey will be presented with a series of hypothetical options related to using pharmacogenetics in the prescribing process, as part of a pilot programme.…

Clopidogrel may be less effective in British South Asian patients, study results suggest

The study authors concluded that non-CYP2C19-dependent antiplatelet agents would likely have a "disproportionate benefit" in the British South Asian population.…

Genetic ‘biobank’ version of Yellow Card scheme to be piloted by drugs regulator

Genetic data and samples from patients who have experienced adverse side effects to medicines will be stored in the biobank, which will be used to determine whether the reaction was the result of a genetic trait.…

PJ view: a pharmacogenomic revolution is gathering pace

There has been rapid progress in the use of pharmacogenomics in patient care over the past 18 months — and it appears to be just the start.…

NICE to recommend genetic testing before prescribing clopidogrel

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has said genetic testing before initiating clopidogrel is a cost-effective use of NHS resources for patients at risk of stroke.…

Pharmacogenomic testing pilot to start in general practice from June 2023

The pilot will test patients when they start a new statin, certain antidepressants or proton pump inhibitors to ensure they are on the right medication and not at risk of side effects.…

Newborn genome screening: a step too far?

A project to screen the genomes of 100,000 babies for rare diseases is set to begin recruiting in 2023, but it will face ethical and societal challenges.…

Pharmacists should be able to refer patients to NHS genomics services, says Royal Pharmaceutical Society

In the Society's consultation response, Thorrun Govind said there needs to be an explanation of how pharmacy staff can enrich and complement the NHS Clinical Genomics Service.…

Clinical impact of CFTR modulator therapy roll-out

An overview of the essential role a specialist cystic fibrosis pharmacist has in the optimisation of CFTR modulator combinations and a closer look at real-world clinical outcomes.…