Pharmacogenetic-Supported Prescribing for Kids
Children with moderate to severe mental health conditions (e.g. depression, anxiety, OCD) or neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorders, ADHD) are frequently prescribed medications as either the sole form of treatment or in combination with psychotherapy. However, up to 50% of these children will not respond or experience burdensome adverse drug reactions to these medications. Current use of mental health-related medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics) in children can be best described as a trial-and-error process that can impact the well-being of those taking the medications and their families at a considerable economic cost. However, this trial-and-error process could, in part, be avoided through the application of pharmacogenetic testing, a specific type of genetic testing that has the potential to improve drug efficacy and reduce the morbidity, mortality and cost associated with adverse drug reactions. The aim of this project is to implement and evaluate an evidence-based pharmacogenetic testing service to improve drug treatment outcomes in children receiving mental health care.
Objectives:
1. Implement Canada’s first pharmacogenetic testing service to improve drug treatment outcomes in children receiving mental health care.
2. Collect performance, outcome, and economic indicators related to the pharmacogenetic testing service.
3. Establish a research platform for the discovery of new genetic and non-genetic markers of drug treatment outcomes relevant to mental health care in children.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Age 6 - 24
• Start, switch, dose change, or augmentation of psychiatric medication is indicated
• Treating doctor requests pharmacogenetic testing
• Reside in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba
Primary Study Link: https://www.psychpgxlab.com/projects/pgx-spark
Objectives:
1. Implement Canada’s first pharmacogenetic testing service to improve drug treatment outcomes in children receiving mental health care.
2. Collect performance, outcome, and economic indicators related to the pharmacogenetic testing service.
3. Establish a research platform for the discovery of new genetic and non-genetic markers of drug treatment outcomes relevant to mental health care in children.
Eligibility Criteria:
• Age 6 - 24
• Start, switch, dose change, or augmentation of psychiatric medication is indicated
• Treating doctor requests pharmacogenetic testing
• Reside in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba
Primary Study Link: https://www.psychpgxlab.com/projects/pgx-spark
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Chad Bousman, PhD, MPH (University of Calgary)
Manitoba Site Lead and Co-investigator:
Dr. Abdullah Al Maruf, PhD, MPharm, Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba
Dr. Chad Bousman, PhD, MPH (University of Calgary)
Manitoba Site Lead and Co-investigator:
Dr. Abdullah Al Maruf, PhD, MPharm, Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba
Funding and Operational Partners:
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Research Outputs:
Bharthi K, Zuberi R, Maruf AA, Shaheen S-M, McCloud R, Heintz M, McAusland L, Arnold PD & Bousman CA. (2024). Impact of Cytochrome P450 Genetic Variation on Patient-reported Symptom Improvement and Side Effects among Children and Adolescents Treated with Fluoxetine. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 34(1):21-27. Pubmed ID: 38377520.
Gerlach S, Maruf AA, Shaheen S-M, McCloud R, Heintz M, McAusland L, Arnold PD & Bousman CA. (2024). Effect of CYP2D6 Genetic Variation on Patient-Reported Symptom Improvement and Side Effects among Children and Adolescents Treated with Amphetamines. Pharmacogenetics and Genomics. PubMed ID: 38517706.
Bharthi K, Zuberi R, Maruf AA, Shaheen S-M, McCloud R, Heintz M, McAusland L, Arnold PD & Bousman CA. (2024). Impact of Cytochrome P450 Genetic Variation on Patient-reported Symptom Improvement and Side Effects among Children and Adolescents Treated with Fluoxetine. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. 34(1):21-27. Pubmed ID: 38377520.
Gerlach S, Maruf AA, Shaheen S-M, McCloud R, Heintz M, McAusland L, Arnold PD & Bousman CA. (2024). Effect of CYP2D6 Genetic Variation on Patient-Reported Symptom Improvement and Side Effects among Children and Adolescents Treated with Amphetamines. Pharmacogenetics and Genomics. PubMed ID: 38517706.