The NHS has launched a pilot initiative to incorporate CYP2C19 genetic testing into care pathways for patients who have experienced an ischaemic stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
This initiative aligns with recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), promoting a personalised approach to clopidogrel treatment to enhance patient outcomes.
Implementing this new testing protocol across NHS sites will help establish a consistent process for providing the service nationwide.
Clopidogrel, an antiplatelet medication, helps reduce the risk of subsequent strokes and cardiovascular events in patients with a history of ischaemic stroke or TIA. However, individual genetic differences, particularly in the CYP2C19 gene, can influence the medication's effectiveness. Certain genetic variants may lead to a reduced response to clopidogrel, making it essential to identify these differences and adjust treatment accordingly.
The pilot, running from October 2024 to April 2025, focuses on developing an accessible and efficient model for incorporating CYP2C19 genetic testing into stroke and TIA care. It aims to ensure that all eligible patients receive treatment optimized to their genetic profile. The program will be implemented at four NHS pilot sites with support from an NHS genomic testing laboratory.
To learn more, please visit our case studies page where there is a feature on the Clopidogrel project.
We also recently hosted a webinar in collaboration with NHS England, to provide an updatre on the project and which is avaialble to watch by clicking the link below. A transcript and audio version will be available in due course.