The NIH awarded chemistry professor, Dr. Scott Reed, a grant to develop cutting-edge chemoinformatic tools aimed at understanding genetic factors behind adverse drug reactions (ADRs). This pharmacogenomics project seeks specifically to illuminate genetic interactions that drugs and their metabolites may have, which could inadvertently cause "off-target" side effects.
The Reed team will analyze datasets on genetic variations and documented ADRs to pinpoint potential genetic causes of these reactions. They plan to establish methods to simulate how drugs interact with various proteins, potentially revealing new sources of side effects. Additionally, they aim to create online tools that not only identify specific ADRs but also visualize drugs, their metabolites and how they interact with different variants of proteins.
These innovative tools will allow researchers to quickly test theories on the molecular origins of harmful side effects, fostering the development of safer and more effective medications. This project represents a significant stride towards mitigating drug-induced harm and enhancing pharmaceutical design.