Iverson Genetic Diagnostics to conduct WARFARIN clinical study

Mar 16 2010

Iverson Genetic Diagnostics, Inc. today announced that they will conduct a WARFARIN clinical study to assess the efficacy of gene-based testing prior to initiating warfarin anticoagulation therapy to reduce the incidence of bleeding and thromboembolic events. The multicenter, randomized, blinded, parallel-group study is being led by Principal Investigator Dr. Elizabeth Ofili, MD, Director of Clinical Research and Associate Dean for Clinical Research at Morehouse School of Medicine.

Warfarin is a commonly used anticoagulant that must be dosed properly to avoid bleeding complications from overdosing and ineffectiveness from under dosing. Currently, more than 2 million patients are prescribed warfarin in the United States each year, with 1%–5% experiencing a major bleeding event. The annual cost associated with warfarin complications is estimated at $1.1 billion.

Researchers have identified two specific genes, VKORC1 and CYP2C9, that contribute up to 60% of individual variations in response to using warfarin. The WARFARIN Study will investigate that with identification of these genes, whether physicians will be able to administer the proper warfarin dosage for each patient and avoid major hermorrhagic and thromboembolic adverse events.

The WARFARIN Study Steering Committee is still accepting sites interested in participation. Please visit www.warfarinstudy.org to obtain updated information about participation and progress.