Personalised medicine moves a step closer
pharmafile | December 30, 2004 | News story | Research and Development, Sales and Marketing |Â Â Â
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."






