Increased genetic risk of adverse drug reactions for Malaysian cardiovascular patients

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad (Malaysian Genomics) and its subsidiary, Clinipath Malaysia Sdn Bhd, observed an increased genetic risks for adverse drug reactions (ADR) to cardiovascular drugs among Malaysian patients.

The company conducted pharmacogenetic screening using Malaysian Genomics’ Dtect® PGx genetic screening test on DNA samples from more than 50 Malaysian individuals of different ethnicities, genders and ages.

"ADRs for 27 cardiovascular medications were tested.

"Results from the Malaysian samples indicate an increased risk for ADRs for 103 out of 198 commonly prescribed drugs included in the test," it said in a statement yesterday.

It said, notably, 42 percent of individuals tested had genetic mutatios associated with reduced response to Clopidogrel, an antiplatelet drug commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

In addition, 13 percent of individuals had genetic mutations associated with high risk of ADRs to Simvastatin, a drug commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Meanwhile, based on the published literature, the rates of ADR for Caucasians are typically 20 percent and two percent respectively.

The statement added that the difference in genetic make-up between Malaysian and Caucasian or other populations could explain the higher prevalence of some of the genetic mutations associated with increased ADRs. - Bernama