Articles by Prince Agyirey-Kwakye

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).

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.

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.

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.

Author Focus

Prince Agyirey-Kwakye