VANCOUVER, BC, June 27,
2024 /CNW/ - A new research initiative in
British Columbia is exploring ways
for the BC healthcare system to tailor depression treatments to the
unique needs of each person, moving towards a more effective and
patient-centred approach.
"Depression is very common. In Canada, more than 1 in 10 people will suffer a
form of major depression at some point in their lives," says Dr.
Jehannine (J9) Austin, a professor
of medical genetics and psychiatry at the University of British Columbia and one of the
project co-leaders, which is funded by Genome British Columbia
(Genome BC).
"Drug therapies are one of the main ways to treat major
depressive disorder (MDD) but finding the right medication can be a
frustrating trial-and-error process, often leading to delays in
symptom relief and unnecessary side effects," says Dr.
Austin.
This is because an individual's genetic makeup can impact how
well a certain medication works for them and whether that person
will experience side effects.
A process called pharmacogenomic testing (PGx) can help. With a
blood or saliva sample, PGx testing analyzes an individual's
genetic makeup to predict which medications are most likely to work
best and least likely to cause side effects. PGx testing for
antidepressant medications looks at just three specific genes and
is currently only available through private companies.
"This project builds on previous research demonstrating the
benefits of PGx testing in improving patient outcomes and reducing
healthcare costs. Our current focus now is on translating this
technology into practical benefits for patients across BC," says
Dr. Federica Di Palma, Genome BC's
Chief Scientific Officer and Vice-President, Research and
Innovation.
This new research initiative, "Pharmacogenomic testing for
people with major depression: A study of implementation
strategies," focuses on developing the most acceptable,
cost-effective, and feasible approaches to integrating PGx testing
into routine depression care in BC.
The research team, which includes three patients with lived
experience of depression, will gather input from a wide range of
affected and interested individuals, including healthcare
professionals, policymakers and the public.
"We want to ensure that any PGx testing program developed in BC
is not only safe and effective, but also meets the needs and
preferences of all patients and healthcare providers no matter
where they live in the province," said, Lisa Ridgway, Ginny
Landry and Linda Riches,
patient partners and research team members.
The research findings will provide valuable guidance for
policymakers considering the adoption of PGx testing for depression
treatment in BC.
About Genome British Columbia:
Genome BC is a
not-for-profit organization supporting world-class genomics
research and innovation to grow globally competitive life sciences
sectors and deliver sustainable benefits for British Columbia, Canada and beyond. Genome BC
has been a leading organization for nearly 25 years, attracting
over $1 billion in direct
co-investment to the province, which has contributed to funding
more than 550 genomics research and innovation projects. These
initiatives advance health care and also address environmental and
natural resource challenges, improving the lives of British
Columbians. In addition to scientific programming, Genome BC
integrates genomics into society by supporting responsible research
and innovation and fostering an understanding and appreciation of
the life sciences among educators, students and the public.
www.genomebc.ca
SOURCE Genome British Columbia