The MHRA will establish a biobank pilot to improve genetics and pharmaceutical safety

With the help of biobank UK patients receive the safest drug for them depending on their genetic composition.

The UK's drugs and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will launch a genetic 'biobank' on June 1, 2023, to better understand how a patient's genetic make-up affects the safety of their drugs. The Yellow Card biobank will collect genetic data as well as patient samples and will be utilized by scientists to identify whether a side effect from a medicine was caused by a certain genetic feature.

The genetic research resource, collaboration with Genomics England, is the first of its sort to be launched by a drug safety authority. The new venture, which will complement the MHRA's existing Yellow Card reporting portal for suspected side effects and adverse incidents involving medications and medical devices, is part of a long-term goal for more personalized medicine methods.

It is envisaged that by identifying the underlying mechanism of an adverse drug response (ADR), pharmacogenetic testing procedures might be devised to avoid ADRs rather than requiring a reactive strategy. As a result, doctors will be able to tailor prescriptions so that UK patients receive the safest drug for them depending on their genetic composition.