Genetic Marker Determines Risk of Clozapine-Induced Agranulocytosis

Validation of a genetic biomarker will help identify patients at risk for clozapine-induced agranulocytosis (CIA). The gene is located in the HLA complex, an area associated with CIA. Clozapine is one of the most effective medications available for treating schizophrenia, but its use is limited because of the risk of inducing agranulocytosis, a potentially fatal blood disorder.

The PGxHealth division of Clinical Data, Inc. (Newton, MA, USA) is developing a commercial genetic test for CIA using this newly validated research, which they expect to launch in 2006. Once substantiated for clinical use, the test should lead to more informed treatment decisions. The research team of Clinical Data is continuing to work on identifying other biomarkers related to CIA, and is investigating agranulocytosis and neutropenia induced by other drugs. PGxHealth's ongoing commercial focus is the use of genetic biomarkers to guide drug therapy.

In a new study of schizophrenia drugs funded by the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH, Bethesda, MD, USA), which was reported in the April 2006 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry, clozapine was found to be the most effective second-line treatment. John M. Kane M.D., chairman of the department of psychiatry at The Zucker Hillside Hospital (Glen Oaks, NY, USA) and professor of psychiatry, neurology, and neuroscience at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Bronx, NY, USA) said, "the results from the NIMH-sponsored study have provided evidence that clozapine is one of the most effective medications for treating schizophrenia, although its use is limited due to the risk of inducing agranulocytosis.” He noted that the validation of a genetic marker that helps reduce the risk of CIA "brings us one step closer to someday alleviating the need for continuous blood monitoring for the majority of clozapine-treated patients.”



Related Links:
Clinical Data
Zucker Hillside Hospital
Albert Einstein College of Medicine