Your Guide to Personalised Healthcare

Learn from the AttoDiagnostics blog.

Codeine, CYP2D6, and Clinical Blind Spots

Published 30/07/2025

Codeine is widely used around the world, often available over the counter, and frequently perceived as a “safe” opioid. But this reputation obscures the complexity of how it works—and why it doesn’t work for everyone.

Codeine vs. Morphine: Pharmacogenomic Testing And Opiates

Published 30/07/2025

For UK clinicians seeking to personalise pain management, the conversation around opioids is shifting. Not all opiates are created equal, and two of the most prescribed—codeine and morphine—offer a clear case study in why pharmacogenetic testing is entering mainstream prescribing practice.

What UK Biobank Data Tells Us About the Future of Pharmacogenomics

Published 16/07/2025

The AttoDiagnostics team attended the UK Pharmacogenetic & Stratified Medicine Network’s 12th Annual Open Meeting—an event that brought together researchers, clinicians and NHS leaders to explore the expanding role of genetics in patient care. We saw how UK Biobank data is helping to validate pharmacogenomics (PGx) at population scale — with published studies, policy-shaping insights, and direct relevance to everyday prescribing.

Do Genetics Affect Citalopram or Escitalopram?

Published 16/05/2025

Citalopram and escitalopram are among the most widely prescribed antidepressants in the UK, often chosen for their effectiveness in treating depression and anxiety. While they share a chemical origin, subtle differences in their structure and metabolism can lead to very different outcomes—particularly when genetics come into play.

Prescribing Fluoxetine: A PGx Guide

Published 15/05/2025

Once hailed as a breakthrough in psychiatry, fluoxetine (Prozac) transformed how we treat depression—and helped launch the entire SSRI era. But decades later, its distinct pharmacological traits, interaction profile, and long half-life make it less straightforward than it first appears. If your patient is wondering, “Is fluoxetine the best antidepressant for me?”, the answer often lies not just in the diagnosis—but in their metabolism.

Is Citalopram the Best SSRI for Mood and Anxiety?

Published 14/05/2025

Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) widely prescribed for major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder. It’s often seen as a well-tolerated first-line option due to its high selectivity for the serotonin transporter and relatively low anticholinergic or noradrenergic activity. But tolerability isn't universal. Some patients struggle with fatigue, nausea, sexual side effects, or poor therapeutic response—despite textbook prescribing.

Is Paroxetine the Right SSRI for Your Patient?

Published 14/05/2025

If your patient is asking, “Will paroxetine help with my depression or anxiety?”, the answer depends on more than just symptoms. With strong serotonergic activity, anticholinergic effects, and powerful CYP2D6 inhibition, paroxetine is one of the most pharmacologically distinct SSRIs—and it’s not right for everyone.

Is Sertraline the Best SSRI for Mood and Anxiety?

Published 14/05/2025

When a patient asks, “Is sertraline the right antidepressant for me?”, the most reliable answer may come not from trial and error—but from a pharmacogenomic test. Sertraline is a widely prescribed SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) used across the NHS to treat depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. But what makes it different from other SSRIs? And could it be more effective—or less tolerable—for certain patients?

Pravastatin and Pharmacogenomics

Published 06/05/2025

Pravastatin is one of the oldest and most established statins, used for decades to help manage cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. As a hydrophilic statin, it tends to stay in the bloodstream and doesn’t penetrate muscle and brain tissue as deeply as other statins. This property contributes to its lower risk of side effects, especially muscle-related symptoms.