The March 2018 Edition of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine included an article that sought to “identify genetic association with bronchodilator drug response (BDR),” noting “there are significant racial/ethnic differences in” drug response.
Researchers “performed the first whole genome sequencing (WGS) pharmacogenetics study from 1,441 children with asthma.” In reviewing the data, the researchers identified “population-specific and shared genetic variants associated with BDR” and found “significant and suggestive loci near genes previously associated with lung capacity” and immunity. They also note “minority underrepresentation also poses significant challenges to identify age-matched and population-matched cohorts of sufficient sample size for replication of” their findings. They conclude by highlighting “the urgent need for a dedicated national effort to prioritize diversity in research.”
To view the article’s abstract, click here.