Genetic Variants May Predict Who Can Benefit from Alcohol Use Disorder Medication
New research suggests that multiple genetic variants can predict individual responses to alcohol addiction medication, paving the way for personalized treatments for AUD.
Recent research highlights the potential of genetic testing in customizing treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD). A study analyzing data from 285 individuals of European descent treated with the medication topiramate revealed that multiple genetic variants collectively influence treatment outcomes. Unlike prior studies focusing on a single gene, this investigation used polygenic scores—comprehensive measures that aggregate the effects of many genetic variants—to better predict patient responses.
The study focused on four alcohol-related traits: problematic alcohol use (PAU), alcohol consumption levels, time to relapse after treatment, and time to relapse into heavy drinking. Researchers found that higher polygenic scores for these traits correlated with a greater reduction in alcohol-related problems when patients received topiramate. This suggests that genetic risk factors could be used to tailor treatments, helping identify individuals who are most likely to benefit from this medication.
This approach offers a promising direction for personalized medicine in AUD, moving beyond single-gene analyses to consider the complex genetic architecture influencing treatment response. Such insights could improve medication efficacy, increase underused pharmacological interventions, and ultimately enhance recovery outcomes for many patients.
The findings build on existing evidence that genetic factors moderate treatment effectiveness and underscore the importance of large-scale genetic data in developing personalized therapies for addiction. By integrating genetic profiles with clinical assessments, future strategies could optimize treatment plans, reducing trial-and-error prescribing and increasing success rates.
This research was published in "Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research" and signifies a meaningful step toward more effective, individualized treatment options for those battling alcohol dependence.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-multiple-genetic-variants-benefits-alcohol.html
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