March 24, 2005

Gene profiling for Meds

It has been announced that Nanogen Inc., of San Diego, and Pathway Diagnostics Corp., of Los Angeles, entered a nonexclusive, worldwide license agreement under which Nanogen will develop diagnostic products that detect genetic variations associated with responses to antidepressant and antipsychotic therapeutics.

The companies have begun work on development of a molecular diagnostic product that could be used to select the most appropriate drug and dosage for patients treated for psychiatric diseases. The goal for these types of tests is the ability to pre-test people so that doctors can determine which medication would be best, and what specific doses, would be best for individuals with different genes. This should greatly reduce the trial and error, and associated lost time and suffering that is typically involved with this process.

In the U.S., schizophrenia affects more than 2 million people each year, and more than 20 million people suffer from depression. Although many therapeutic options are available for patients suffering from these conditions, for some patients the side effects of drug therapy can range from unpleasant to life-threatening. Determining optimal drug regimens and dosing strategies are challenges that are currently addressed by trial-and-error prescribing practices. Side effects may be caused by a variety of factors, including variations in genes that are targets of the drugs or are involved in drug response. In addition to the negative effect on an individual's health, significant direct and indirect costs are associated with these adverse drug responses.

More information:

Nanogen, Inc.

Pathway Diagnostics Corp.


Comments

The molecular method sounds promising. Finding the correct molecular formula that best relates to one is the way we need to go, I believe.

I have over 10 years experience with an individual 24/7 who has taken every med available almost. Precise adverse reactions from each med has been identified and then when mixed with another as well. Reaction time to most any drug occurs within 15 minutes. The sensitivity to all drugs is remarkable.

The most interesting results is that the older drugs work better than the new drugs. If the effective old and new molecular formulas were analyzed and researched, then the middle ground might be discovered for the drug resistant patients. The new drugs work the opposite on the patient except for a few miraculous differences. If the differences could be identified and a molecular formula could be developed using the high points from each drug, there might be a breakthrough for some patients especially in cognitive skills, hallucinations, and delusions.

Amazingly, even the interaction of asthma medications, mood stabilizers, mild tranquilizers cause drug interactions with psychotic drugs for this patient. The doctors have learned so much from this patient. Pulling the positive effects from each drug and combining into a molecular formula is definitely what is needed. Only those who spend 24/7 with someone truly can provide the info needed to understand mental disorders.

It works just like continuous improvement or improved processes in a business or company. All patients are the same, whether it is mental or physical ailments. When one starts feeling better, the meds are forgotten about. Pain works the same way, you remember it when you hurt and forget about it when you don't hurt. It isn't always about not being in compliance with meds on purpose, it is about feeling good or well and forgetting about them.

If we want cures for mental disorders or chemical imbalances, the blame game needs to stop. Hopefully, new approaches will make a difference in the future.

Posted by: JAN WRIGHT at June 26, 2007 08:35 PM

Post a comment

Please enter this code to enable your comment -
Remember Me?
(you may use HTML tags for style)
* indicates required
Close