Pharmacogenomics: Biochip

The world's first pharmacogenetic microarray for personalized prescriptions

The new technology combines chemistry, physics and biology to develop electronic devices able to reach diagnostic conclusions. Roche has combined its polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology for putting genetic information on a chip.

When two people take the same dose of a drug, their bodies may metabolize it so differently that the amount of it that can act on its target varies tremendously. Some people may have an especially efficient form of an enzyme that breaks down a drug; others may have a less functional version. People with genetic variations that give them less efficient versions of the enzymes, known as poor metabolizers, could have high levels of a drug in their body for a longer period, increasing the potential for side effects.

The AmpliChip CYP450 Test provides comprehensive coverage of gene variations - including deletions and duplications - for the CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 genes, which play a major role in the metabolism of an estimated 25% of all prescription drugs. It is intended to be an aid for physicians in individualizing treatment selection and dosing for drugs metabolized through these genes.

It is intended to be an aid for physicians in individualizing treatment selection and dosing for drugs metabolized through these genes.

Source: http://www.medgadget.com/archives/2006/11/amplichip_for_p.html