Menu
21/06/2004
£4m gene studies funding aimed to improve NHS treatment
Research into why some people react badly to certain medicines has received £4 million, the government has announced today.
The funding will be shared by six teams researching pharmacogenetics - which looks at how a patient's genetic makeup can affect the way they respond to different drugs.
It is hoped that doctors will eventually be able to use information about a patient's genes to predict how they might respond to different medicines and then tailor treatments to suit their individual needs.
The winning bids include projects on how genetics could affect responses to drugs used to prevent blood clots and treat epilepsy. Another project aims to develop a screening test to identify patients who are at high risk of having a fatal reaction to general anaesthetic.
Health Minister Lord Warner said: "Whilst research in this area is still in its early stages, pharmacogenetics has enormous potential to improve the effectiveness of the treatment that patients receive, and more importantly could save lives by identifying those patients who, because of their genetic make-up, are likely to react badly to certain medicines."
The funding is part of a £50 million strategy announced in last year's Genetics White Paper to explore how NHS patients can get the full benefit of the latest developments in genetic knowledge.
(gmcg)
The funding will be shared by six teams researching pharmacogenetics - which looks at how a patient's genetic makeup can affect the way they respond to different drugs.
It is hoped that doctors will eventually be able to use information about a patient's genes to predict how they might respond to different medicines and then tailor treatments to suit their individual needs.
The winning bids include projects on how genetics could affect responses to drugs used to prevent blood clots and treat epilepsy. Another project aims to develop a screening test to identify patients who are at high risk of having a fatal reaction to general anaesthetic.
Health Minister Lord Warner said: "Whilst research in this area is still in its early stages, pharmacogenetics has enormous potential to improve the effectiveness of the treatment that patients receive, and more importantly could save lives by identifying those patients who, because of their genetic make-up, are likely to react badly to certain medicines."
The funding is part of a £50 million strategy announced in last year's Genetics White Paper to explore how NHS patients can get the full benefit of the latest developments in genetic knowledge.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 June 2011
Healthcare Staff Get Innovative
Frontline NHS staff and other healthcare professionals who come up with innovative ideas to give better patient care are getting their schemes funded thanks to the Department of Health’s Innovation Challenge Prizes. The first winners have been announced today.
Healthcare Staff Get Innovative
Frontline NHS staff and other healthcare professionals who come up with innovative ideas to give better patient care are getting their schemes funded thanks to the Department of Health’s Innovation Challenge Prizes. The first winners have been announced today.
16 May 2011
Training Reforms Threaten Patient Care, Says Junior Doctors Leader
Government reforms of medical training could threaten patient care as much as anything in the Health and Social Care Bill, Dr Shree Datta, Co-Chair of the BMA’s Junior Doctors Committee has warned.
Training Reforms Threaten Patient Care, Says Junior Doctors Leader
Government reforms of medical training could threaten patient care as much as anything in the Health and Social Care Bill, Dr Shree Datta, Co-Chair of the BMA’s Junior Doctors Committee has warned.
06 November 2009
Working Directive 'Harming' Doctor Training
Restrictions on the working hours of doctors may be compromising surgical education and patient care, warn two senior US surgeons in an article published on bmj.com today. Gretchen Purcell Jackson and John Tarpley argue that greater flexibility is needed in applying these regulations.
Working Directive 'Harming' Doctor Training
Restrictions on the working hours of doctors may be compromising surgical education and patient care, warn two senior US surgeons in an article published on bmj.com today. Gretchen Purcell Jackson and John Tarpley argue that greater flexibility is needed in applying these regulations.
03 November 2004
Patient care set to benefit from £40m Microsoft investment
The NHS is to benefit from a £40 million development effort by Microsoft Corporation to develop a health specific user interface for clinical systems which will improve patient care and safety across the NHS, it was announced today.
Patient care set to benefit from £40m Microsoft investment
The NHS is to benefit from a £40 million development effort by Microsoft Corporation to develop a health specific user interface for clinical systems which will improve patient care and safety across the NHS, it was announced today.
02 March 2004
Regulation will quality assure complementary medicine, says Minister
Better regulation of complementary therapists like acupuncturists and herbalists will reassure patients that they are properly qualified, Health Minister John Hutton said today. There are around 4,000 practising acupuncturists and herbalists in the UK - but they do not have to meet professional standards of training.
Regulation will quality assure complementary medicine, says Minister
Better regulation of complementary therapists like acupuncturists and herbalists will reassure patients that they are properly qualified, Health Minister John Hutton said today. There are around 4,000 practising acupuncturists and herbalists in the UK - but they do not have to meet professional standards of training.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
