“Researchers at Yale University have found a genetic variant that may make treatment of opioid addiction more effective.
According to a news release from Yale, the variant helped identify African Americans who might need higher doses of methadone — the most effective treatment for those dependent upon heroin or prescription painkillers. The authors said the discovery may allow doctors to more quickly identify patients who must receive higher doses of methadone.
The genetic variant identified among African-Americans is adjacent to the gene OPRM1, which encodes the main cell receptor targeted by opioids in the brain. The variant could be used as a biomarker, helping tailor treatment for African-Americans with an opioid use disorder, note the investigators.”
Read more at: http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/local/article/Yale-finding-may-aid-in-opioid-abuse-treatment-10879760.php
Source: StamfordAdvocate.com – January 24, 2017
