Researchers develop genetic test to fine-tune warfarin dose

The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System will be using a genetic biomarker to select the correct dose of warfarin, a commonly used blood thinner, for its patients with blood clots, such as those with deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. While warfarin is an effective, well-known and well-used drug, it is one of the leading causes of serious drug-related adverse events. The healthcare professionals will use a test that looks for common genetic variants coding for CYP2C9, an enzyme that breaks down warfarin, and VKORC1, a clotting enzyme that is the target of warfarin, with a goal to reduce the risk of bleeding and provide a tailored treatment to patients. Press release