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Genetic Analysis for National Center Biobank Network Resource with Drug Allergy History

Abstract

A history of drug allergies is valuable information for personalized medicine. Such information has been collected during patient hospitalizations at almost all hospitals in Japan; however, to date, there has been no hospital or medical corporation database that could utilize this huge resource to improve medical treatment. In addition, no resource has been able to unify the history of drug allergy in Japan, except the National Center Biobank Network (NCBN). NCBN comprises 6 NC-biobanks (BBs). Each NC-BB appoints special coordinators to interview patients and their relatives in order to ask detailed questions about drug allergies. NCBN is the only biobank that stores detailed allergy information, covering more than 4000 patient medical records.

The current project will utilize the NCBN database of drug allergy information to target specific drugs or drug families, conducting genome analyses to identify candidate target genes for these drugs. In addition, genome-wide association study (GWAS) or whole genome sequencing (WGS) results will be added to NCBN resources for further analysis by researchers with various scientific specialties. NCBN is uniquely focused on serving the scientific community.

Genetic analysis for National Center Biobank resource with drug allergy history

Perspectives

  • Candidate genes for drug allergy or hypersensitivity will be found for specific drugs or drug families.
  • Candidate genes will be compared with or without certain diseases, for example diabetes versus non-diabetes.
  • Some candidate genes will be incorporated into a Japanese drug hypersensitivity panel.
  • This unique resource will be utilized to advance pharmaceutical development and regulatory sciences in Japan.

Comments from principal researcher

Drug allergy and hypersensitivity are individual reactions, but knowledge of genetic predisposing factors in the general population is still scarce. By illuminating associations of drug allergies and hypersensitivities with particular drugs and drug families, this project will advance the precision and personalization of medical care in Japan.