Pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics

Adverse drug reactions reduced by nearly one third after genetic testing, major trial results to show

Exclusive: Ahead of publication of the PREPARE study, the UK trial lead said the results will be "fantastic" news.…

UK adults asked to sign up to ‘exciting’ genomics study

Data will be used to develop and test genetic risk scores for potential screening programmes, as well as earlier detection and targeted treatment of certain conditions.…

Drug-gene interaction testing may be about to go mainstream

Ambitious plans for pre-emptive pharmacogenomic testing were put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic, but NHS pilots next year could pave the way for major change.…

GPs to start genetic testing patients before prescribing statins, antidepressants and PPIs

Exclusive: First-ever NHS pilot of routine genetic testing to guide drug choice in primary care will begin in early 2023 in north-west England, with plans for it to become a national programme if successful.…

The role of circulating tumour DNA in guiding cancer treatment and future applications

An overview of current and future applications of circulating tumour DNA in common solid tumours and the implications on treatment.…

David Webb: ‘It is time to step away from historic rivalries and focus on patients’

In his first pharmacy press interview as chief pharmaceutical officer for England, David Webb tells The Pharmaceutical Journal his ambitions for the profession.…

Silencing the genes that harm the brain

There have been variable results so far, but researchers are hopeful that new drugs can be developed to halt disease progression in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s.…

How we set up the UK’s first clopidogrel genomics testing system

Specialist clinical pharmacist Alex Matos explains how he has been implementing pharmacogenomics in daily use on the acute stroke ward.…

We must start using pharmacogenomic information to optimise medicines for older people

Training in pharmacogenomic testing needs to be prioritised so that the NHS can benefit from the many advantages it has to offer, especially for older people at higher risk from adverse drug reactions.…

Pharmacogenomic testing may aid antidepressant prescribing, study results show

Researchers found that patients with major depressive disorder whose treatment was guided by genetic testing were more likely to receive an antidepressant with no drug–gene interaction.…