eMJA: Improving drug safety by locating genetic markers for hypersensitivity reactions

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Improving drug safety by locating genetic markers for hypersensitivity reactions

Kathlyn J Ronaldson and John J McNeil

MJA 2009; 190 (11): 641-643

Introduction

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Strongly predisposing genetic markers found for three hypersensitivity reactions

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Proven benefits of genetic pre-screening

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Hypersensitivity reactions come in many guises

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Strategy for conducting pharmacogenetic research in Australia

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Competing interests

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Author details

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References

Abstract

Individuals vary in their response to a medication with regard to efficacy and adverse effects.
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region of DNA offers the key to predicting drug hypersensitivity reactions.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms for hypersensitivity reactions with carbamazepine, abacavir and allopurinol have been identified.
A randomised controlled trial demonstrated the effectiveness of prospective screening for the predisposing genetic marker in preventing all cases of the hypersensitivity reaction with abacavir.
Further pharmacogenetic investigation of hypersensitivity reactions could be conducted in Australia by establishing a network of sentinel hospitals.

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