Four million patients in the UK could benefit each year from genetic testing before being given common medicines, according to a new study from the University of East Anglia (UEA) in collaboration with Boots UK and Leiden University (The Netherlands) ).
Researchers looked through NHS 2019 distribution data across the UK to see how many patients starting new prescriptions each year could be boosted by a genetic test.
They examined 56 medications, including antidepressants, antibiotics, stomach ulcer treatments and painkillers where gene-drug interactions are known.
And they found that, in more than one in five times (21.1 percent) a doctor or pharmacist had the ability to perform an action under international pharmacogenetic guidelines.
If this screening were applied to all new prescriptions, about one in 11 (9.1 percent) would result in a change of drug or dose, affecting more than five million items given.
Depending on the results of individual pharmacogenetic tests, they may receive a higher or lower than normal starting dose or be monitored more closely at the early stages of treatment.
Pharmacogenomic testing services already operating in the Netherlands show that doctors and pharmacists with specialized training can perform pre-prescribing tests and use the results to advise on safer and more effective prescribing, delivering better outcomes for patients.
Essra Youssef, research pharmacist at the UEA School of Medicine, said: “We know that over 95 per cent of the population have a genetic mark that predicts an acetic response to at least one drug.
“Our study looked at nine of these genetic markers, affecting 56 medicines commonly prescribed by community pharmacies in the UK. The most common of these are weak opioids, antidepressants and proton pump protectors, which are prescribed to reduce stomach acid.
“We wanted to see how pharmacogenetic testing, prior to the administration of common medications, would benefit patients.
“We have found that around four million patients a year in the UK could benefit from this new technology.
“Better choice of medication based on patient genetic information could mean fewer side effects and better treatment outcomes. This is not only beneficial to the patient but also to the NHS, as it may patients do not have to return to their GP as often to change their medication.
“It could also reduce hospital visits related to medication side effects. The diagnosis process is very simple in most cases, with a chicken swab sample collected and DNA analyzed for genes. As the cost of this test falls, technology is more likely to represent good value for the NHS. “
Marc Donovan, Chief Pharmacist at Boots UK, said:
We strongly believe that pharmacy plays a key role in supporting wider access and use of pharmacogenomics.
Our work demonstrates the benefits to patients and the NHS of rolling out a national screening program as part of their plans to establish pharmacogenomics in clinical practice by 2025, and that this trial could be effectively delivered by community pharmacists.
Last year, about four million people could have changed their order, according to our figures. This would reduce the risk of side effects and lead to better clinical outcomes. “
Source:
University of East Anglia
Magazine Reference:
Youssef, E., et al. (2021) Estimating the potential impact of implementing preclinical pharmacogenetic testing in primary care across the UK. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. doi.org/10.1111/bcp.14704.