DNA Test Can Identify "The Smoker's Gene"

Smokers can now test themselves to find out if they carry a gene that predisposes them to heavy smoking and nicotine addiction. Depending on the results aspiring non-smokers will be given a personally tailored plan to break the habit with advice on the treatment most appropriate to their genetic make-up. They will also be advised about behavioural changes, alternative therapies and other ways to stiffen their resolve. The test kit, called NicoTest, is available for the first time today. It is based on research by scientists at Oxford University which shows that 35 per cent of people are born with a gene that increases their susceptibility to becoming addicted to nicotine. Now, the university is marketing the device through G-Nostics, one of its research spin-off companies. Smokers can buy NicoTest and subsequent advice on-line and it could be sold in major pharmacists next year. The £94 test kit contains a device to take a pin prick of blood, which the smoker places on an absorbent pad and sends to a laboratory for DNA analysis.