PREDICTION OF CYP2DG-MEDIATED POLYMORPHIC DRUG-METABOLISM (SPARTEINE TYPE) BASED ON IN-VITRO INVESTIGATIONS

Discovery of genetic polymorphism in drug metabolism has contributed a great deal to understanding the variability in dose-concentration rel ationships introduced by genetic factors, thereby elucidating the mech anisms responsible for unexpected drug reactions. This knowledge shoul d find its way into clinical practice in order to make therapy more ef ficient and safe. Moreover, genetic factors in drug metabolism should be taken into account during drug development. Therefore, in vitro met hods for identifying the metabolic pattern of new compounds during ear ly stages of drug development should be improved. This review summariz es in vitro methods available to identify genetic polymorphism in drug oxidation, in particular the CYP2D6-related polymorphism.