biomarkers for predicting reaction to clozapine treatment

摘要

BIOMARKERS FOR THE PREDICTION OF CLOZAPINE TREATMENT REACTION The present invention relates to methods for predicting the likelihood of suicidal or self-defeating behavior in a patient during treatment. The method uses detection of a VNTR polymorphism in the 3 - UTR of the dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3). Patients with nine or fewer repetitions are considered to have a poor reaction to clozapine. Nine or fewer repeats in the SLC6A3 gene correlated with poor expression of the SLC6A3 gene. Treatment methods based on the presence or absence of such polymorphism or surrogate markers thereof are also provided. Kits for use in the methods of the invention are also provided.