Pharmacogenetics studies how genetics influence responses to pharmaceuticals.
Pharmacogenetics is a branch of science that studies how a person’s genetics influence their response to pharmaceuticals (read an entry to pharmacogenetics, here). Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are one of the biggest influences in the study of pharmacogenetics, as adverse reactions account for a very large number of medical fatalities in the U.S. Researchers hope that through precision medicine testing and research, they can create a database or library of information about effective drugs for every circumstance, ultimately lowering patient mortality rates.
Currently, it is estimated that 80% of Americans take at least one prescription medication. Many take prescriptions from multiple prescribes, upping the chances of an adverse reaction. About 100,000 deaths and $4 billion annually are due to adverse drug reactions.
Pharmacogenetics and the Public
Healthcare providers and the general public have started to recognize the need for and benefit of precision medicine. To improve the safety and efficacy of drugs, testing for genetic variation in response to treatment is imperative.
Drug response is complex and not well known. Many factors influence a person’s response besides gene variants. Other factors include diet, co-morbidities, and other drugs. Some researchers argue that it will take years of documented research and data for pharmacogenetics to have a positive influence on public health.
Contract Laboratory has helped facilitate many precision medicine test requests such as:
- Pharmacy needs a genetics laboratory for their pharmacogenetic testing from swabs.
- Contract Research Organization needed for genotyping for CYP450 2D6 – 2C9 – 2C19 genotyping. 100 samples/month
- Large pharma needs a laboratory for 32 P post-labeling DNA adduct assay
Learn more about precision medicine and pharmacogenetics, here.
To see how Contract Laboratory can help you, contact us, or submit your own test request online!
