Genomas has identified potential DNA markers for risk factors involved in diabetes-related metabolic side effects from treatment with common antipsychotic drugs. A day late and a few million dollars short, eh Eli Lilly?

The study found that DNA variations could predict a patient's likelihood for developing pre-diabetic side effects such as weight gain. Atypical antipsychotic drugs (AAPs) can induce diabetic symptoms in nearly one third of patients, most notably characterized by increased weight gain in some patients but not in others. However, the side effect profiles for these drugs even within the same drug class may differ, raising the possibility of drug-specific side effects.

Genomas develops systems for DNA-guided diagnosis and treatment of metabolic disorders induced by drugs in cardiovascular and psychiatric medicine. They have the capability to select the safest drug treatment for each patient. A company like Genomas has the right idea. The use of antipsychotic drugs is on the rise, with an estimated 14 million patients for which these drugs are increasingly being prescribed. AAPs are a dime a dozen. The million dollar question is which of these drugs is NOT the one for you?