Investigators:
Kevin Haynes, PharmD (PI), Sean Hennessy, PharmD, PhD, Peter Kanetsky, PhD, MPH, Hanna Rennert, PhD

Feasibility of Obtaining Genetic Samples from Members of A Large 
Medical Records Research Database in the United Kingdom

The proposed research in human pharmacogenomic epidemiology will determine the feasibility of obtaining genetic samples from members of a large medical records research database in the United Kingdom.  The project will specifically address the logistical barriers in obtaining these samples.  The interdisciplinary nature of the project involves the fields of pharmacoepidemiology and the population utilization of medication and pharmacogenetics.  The development of a mechanism to collect genetic samples from large research databases will greatly improve the coordination and efficiency of human pharmacogenomic epidemiology by enabling the study of larger sample sizes.  The specific aim of the proposal will test the difference in response rate between a group randomized to receive a 5 GBP voucher for participation verse a group randomized to receive no compensation.  The proposal includes a plan for a cross-disciplinary apprenticeship for the applicant in the area of laboratory DNA extraction.  The applicant is a clinical research pharmacist with an interest in pharmacoepidemiology and pharmacogenetics.  The proposed apprenticeship in the Molecular Diagnosis and Genotyping Facility will enable the applicant to gain an appreciation for the laboratory techniques utilized in genetics research and assist in future protocol development.  The proposal may serve as the applicant’s master’s thesis and will particularly assist the applicant in collecting necessary samples for an ongoing pharmacogenetic study involving digoxin.