UW Professors Identify Genetic Basis
for Variation in Patient Response to Warfarin
Dr.
Allan Rettie, professor and chair of medicinal chemistry in the UW School
of Pharmacy, Dr. Mark Rieder, research assistant professor in genomic
sciences and their colleagues have identified a major genetic factor responsible
for variability in patient responses to the commonly prescribed coumarin-based
anticoagulant known as Warfarin. Warfarin, used to prevent harmful clotting
after a heart attack, stroke or major surgery, is thought to be taken
by over two million people a day in the US alone, yet dosage needs vary
considerably between patients resulting in a challenge for their physicians.
Rettie and his colleague’s research, supported by NIH funding, in
genetic variation and the relationship this has to drug and dosage needs
may enable physicians and pharmacists to more precisely medicate, thereby
eliminating the negative effects of over- or under-medication. This field
of study, known as Pharmacogenetics, is an important scientific pursuit
at the forefront of the advancement of medical care. Read more about Rettie’s
research in the June 2, issue of The
New England Journal of Medicine or click on NPR
interview or NIH Release.
Dr.
Allan Rettie, professor and chair of medicinal chemistry in the UW School
of Pharmacy, Dr. Mark Rieder, research assistant professor in genomic
sciences and their colleagues have identified a major genetic factor responsible
for variability in patient responses to the commonly prescribed coumarin-based
anticoagulant known as Warfarin. Warfarin, used to prevent harmful clotting
after a heart attack, stroke or major surgery, is thought to be taken
by over two million people a day in the US alone, yet dosage needs vary
considerably between patients resulting in a challenge for their physicians.
Rettie and his colleague’s research, supported by NIH funding, in
genetic variation and the relationship this has to drug and dosage needs
may enable physicians and pharmacists to more precisely medicate, thereby
eliminating the negative effects of over- or under-medication. This field
of study, known as Pharmacogenetics, is an important scientific pursuit
at the forefront of the advancement of medical care. Read more about Rettie’s
research in the June 2, issue of 
