BEVERLY HILLS, April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Doctor Lance Steinberg announced the introduction of a new genetic tool to help personalize drug therapy. Discoveries in human genetics have led to the understanding that genetic mutations, called variants, can play a major role in predicting how a patient will respond to certain medications. This science known as pharmacogenetics is just now making its way from academic institutions into the physician’s office using recent advancements in genetics and bio- informatics.
Lance Steinberg, M.D., a psychiatrist on the medical staff at Cedars Sinai Los Angeles explains that “two of the major hurdles doctors were facing when considering pharmacogenetics were ; access to genetic testing and what to do with these results to optimize individual therapy. Recent developments in microarray technology have made genetic testing more accessible and innovative bio-informatics applications such as those of Signature Genetics(TM) now provide the necessary interpretive information to help physicians understand the implications and outcomes of a patient’s genetic test results.”
Doctor Steinberg further comments “Understanding the results through Interpretive information is key for pharmacogenetics to be used at the doctor’s office. Once the genetic test results are in, the physician must consider these genotype results against the patient’s drug regime and clinical profile. For example, variables to be considered include how each of those drugs are metabolized , how the metabolism of these drugs will be affected by genetic variants as well as how certain drug combinations may affect efficacy and safety of therapy. These variables must be evaluated against the constantly evolving scientific literature. With so many important variables to consider, I chose Signature Genetics(TM) for my practice since it provides both the genetic testing and the critical evidence base documented interpretive information which is up to date and personalized for each patient through Signature Genetics(TM) unique bio-informatics application.”
Reggie Downey Vice-President of Seryx explains that “for each patient results from a medical history questionnaire, a multi-gene analysis and clinical co-factors are evaluated against the latest scientific validated knowledge to produce the Signature Genetics(TM) interpretive report .Signature Genetics(TM) is designed to assist physicians in customizing drug prescriptions based on an individual patient’s unique genetic makeup, as well as to identify drug combinations which can cause harmful interactions. Once a cheek swab and medical history questionnaire are sent to the laboratory, a Signature Genetics(TM) report is sent to the physician’s office within 15 business days.”
“This leading edge science has the potential to personalize each patient’s drug regimen based on his/her genetic makeup to minimize side effects and maximize drug efficacy. This is especially important in psychiatry where variations in the CYP2D6 gene plays such an important role in treatment success. It provides us a better understanding of which drugs, drug dosage and/or drug combinations will be effective or problematic. When multiple drugs are given to a patient, one drug may interfere with the metabolism of another drug, sometimes rendering the second drug useless or potentially toxic. In addition to the genetic assessment, Signature Genetics(TM) helps physicians identify which drug combinations can be problematic for the patient. It truly provides the platform for personalized medicine”, said Dr. Steinberg.
Following are examples of how genetic variations impact drug metabolism: - Approximately 7 to 10 percent of Caucasians will have some form of genetic variants affecting drug response .These individuals’ genetic makeup will consists of two copies of a variant gene rendering them poor metabolizers. Such patients will metabolize drugs too slowly and accumulate them in their body to potentially toxic levels. - Drugs influenced by genetic variations include antidepressants , antipsychotics, Antihistamines, Antiarrhythmics, Barbiturates, Beta-blockers, Cardiovascular drugs and certain Chemotherapeutic Agents,. - For some drugs such as Codeine, patients with genetic variants will experience no pain relief . These individuals’ genetic makeup prevent them from producing the enzyme required to convert codeine into morphine, the active pain-relieving agent of codeine. - The metabolism of a drug called Warfarin(R) (Coumadin), a blood anticoagulant, is heavily impacted by genetic variations. In this case, incorrect dosages can lead to serious, even fatal, side effects.
Lance Steinberg, M.D., is on the medical staff and teaches at Cedars Sinai Los Angeles, with offices in Calabasas, Encino, Beverly Hills and Santa Clarita. He specializes in psychopharmacology, cognitive behavior therapy and self - hypnosis in children, adolescents and adults. For more information, call 818 224 3540. For information on Signature Genetics(TM) consult http://www.signaturegenetics.com/ or call 877 243 -6384 ext 361
SERYX INC
CONTACT: Sandy Steinberg, (818) 224-3540