Genetics of drug metabolism in children

Scientists know that some gene changes can affect the way we process certain drugs. Sometimes, the gene changes mean we need more of less of a drug. Other times it means a drug will not work for us. If we do not take the right amount of a drug for us, we often have side effects. A drug not working can also lead to side effects. We do most drug research on adults. We work out what dose range is safe in adults. Then we work out the best dose to give adults. Most of time, we have to make an educated guess at what amount to give children. Researchers at Vanderbilt will use BioVU to see how certain genes affect drugs in children. They will start with a well-studied gene. This gene processes several different drugs. They will focus on two drugs taken by kids and adults. One drug can cause side effects in the wrong amount. They will look for a link between gene changes and side effects in kids taking that drug. We adjust the dose of the other drug based on how you respond. We know gene changes can affect the dose of this drug. Other things can also affect the dose. Researchers will look for a link between gene changes and the final dose given to kids.They will then look at gene changes that affect a different drug. They will look for a link between the gene changes and side effects in kids taking that drug. We will learn more about gene changes and drug doses in children from this research. Their results may help us start at a better dose for some drugs in children. They will also help us better understand side effects of these drugs. We may also learn more about how gene changes may affect adults. The goal is to give children and adults the right dose of the right drug every time.