Pharmacology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Pharmacology, including details on pharmacogenomics, drug development, new medications. | ||||||||
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Pharmacogenomics and its implications for autoimmune disease.Ross CJ, Katzov H, Carleton B, Hayden MR Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia (UBC), Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada. A striking failure of modern medicine is the debilitating and lethal consequences of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) which rank as one of the top ten leading causes of death and illness in the developed world with direct medical costs of 137-177 billion US dollars annually in the USA. Although many factors influence the effect of medications (i.e. age, organ function, drug interactions), genetic factors account for 20-95% of drug response variability and play a significant role in the incidence and severity of ADRs. The field of pharmacogenomics seeks to identify genetic factors responsible for individual differences in drug efficacy and adverse drug reactions. Pharmacogenomics has led to several genetic tests that provide clinical dosing recommendations. For autoimmune disease, pharmacogenomics has led to several DNA-based tests to improve drug selection, optimize dosing, and minimize the risk of toxicity. The 'GATC' project is a nation-wide project established in Canada to identify novel predictive genomic markers of severe ADRs in children. An ADR surveillance network has been established in all of Canada's major children's hospitals, serving up to 75% of all Canadian children. The goal of the project is to identify patients experiencing specific ADRs, collect DNA samples, and apply genomics-based technologies to identify ADR-associated genetic markers. Published 7 May 2007 in J Autoimmun, 28(2): 122-8.
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