Clozapine is the most effective medication for treating certain mental health conditions, but its use is limited because it can cause dangerous blood-related side effects, including a severe drop in white blood cells (agranulocytosis). Currently, we cannot predict or prevent this risk because the exact cause is unknown, although it is likely linked to how clozapine is processed in the body.
Researchers have conducted studies (called genome-wide association studies, or GWAS) to explore the genetic factors involved in clozapine metabolism and its side effects. Using advanced methods to analyze data, they identified two new genetic markers related to how clozapine is metabolised and confirmed these findings in a group of 392 patients taking clozapine. They also found five genetic markers linked to the risk of agranulocytosis.
Further analysis showed that people with genetic traits for slower clozapine metabolism might be more likely to have lower white blood cell counts, which could contribute to the risk of agranulocytosis. These findings could help develop tools to predict and manage the risk of these serious side effects in clozapine treatment.
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