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CYP2C19 Testing for Clopidogrel

Published 19/01/2026

Clopidogrel remains one of the most widely used antiplatelet medicines in UK practice. But the UK is now moving more decisively toward genotype-guided antiplatelet decision-making. NICE’s 2024 diagnostics guidance (DG59) was a key first step, recommending CYP2C19 pharmacogenetic testing to determine whether clopidogrel is suitable for people who have just had an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

PGx & Polypharmacy

Published 05/01/2026

Polypharmacy increases the likelihood of adverse drug reactions, treatment failure and unnecessary hospital admissions. While drug–drug interactions are routinely checked in clinical systems, combined gene–drug interactions and drug–drug interactions remain largely invisible without pharmacogenetic testing.

Why Pharmacogenetic Testing Matters in Clinical Practice

Published 10/12/2025

Pharmacogenetics (PGx) is increasingly embedded in clinical pathways across cardiovascular disease, psychiatry, neurology and pain management. Aligning prescribing to a patient’s genetic metaboliser status can improve efficacy and reduce adverse drug reactions — a major contributor to hospital admissions and prolonged recovery.

How Accurate Is PGx?

Published 10/12/2025

Clinicians need confidence that pharmacogenetic testing provides reliable, actionable information. Modern PGx focuses on well-established CYP450 pathways — such as CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP2B6 — enabling prescribers to anticipate how a patient will respond to common medicines.

When Statins Aren’t Enough: Using Pharmacogenomics to Justify PCSK9 Inhibitors

Published 20/11/2025

Statins remain the cornerstone of lipid-lowering therapy in cardiovascular prevention. Whether you're prescribing simvastatin, atorvastatin, or rosuvastatin calcium, these drugs are widely used and well-supported by NICE guidelines. They work by blocking HMG-CoA reductase (the key enzyme in cholesterol production) and prompting the liver to increase LDL clearance.

How Clinicians Can Secure NHS Funding for Pharmacogenetic Testing

Published 25/09/2025

Pharmacogenetic testing is gaining traction across the NHS. While not yet routine in all areas, there are established routes to secure funding when there is a clear clinical need — particularly in complex mental health cases. For prescribers dealing with non-responders, adverse effects, or polypharmacy, pharmacogenomics can be transformative. The key is knowing how to access pharmacogenetic testing on the NHS.

Prescribing Sertraline: Why Pharmacogenomics Matters

Published 02/09/2025

Sertraline is not just another SSRI. While it works by increasing serotonin levels like others in its class, it also has a mild effect on dopamine. This dual action can make it especially useful in depression marked by low energy, poor motivation, or emotional flatness. On top of that, sertraline has a favourable cardiovascular profile and fewer drug–drug interactions compared to some of its peers, such as citalopram.

PGx and the NHS 10 Year Plan

Published 27/08/2025

The NHS Fit for the Future: 10-Year Health Plan recognises this gap and sets out an ambition to embed pharmacogenetic testing into mainstream care. At AttoDiagnostics, we’re ready to help turn that ambition into a daily reality.

Why Pharmacogenomic Testing Matters When Prescribing Antidepressants

Published 15/08/2025

Whether you’re prescribing citalopram, sertraline, or an older tricyclic antidepressant like amitriptyline, individual variations in drug metabolism can profoundly influence both efficacy and safety. Two of the most important enzymes involved—CYP2D6 and CYP2C19—are highly polymorphic, meaning a patient's genetic makeup can lead them to be poor, intermediate, normal, or ultra-rapid metabolisers.