GSK Gets its Potpourri

GlaxoSmithKline plc has rolled out a database of human genetic variation representing the most comprehensive geographical and ethnic sampling effort to date. The project, termed the Population Reference Sample, could help efforts to predict genetically influenced adverse drug reactions and is thus a step toward the development of personalized medicines. The database is accessible to outside researchers, and the pharma is already using it to optimize clincal trial designs.

The goal of POPRES is to establish a baseline for genetic variation among several major ethnic groups in industrialized countries. A studypublished in August in the American Journal of Human Genetics described the design and primary conclusions of the project.¹ The work was conducted by a consortium of academic and GSK researchers led by Matthew Nelson, manager of statistical genetics development at the pharma company...