DESCRIPTION: Genetic differences are thought to be an important biological predictor of response to treatment for addiction. The purpose of this project was to identify genetic factors influencing addiction severity and response to anti-addiction medications, with an emphasis on medications to treat methamphetamine dependence. We collected DNA specimens from a sample of well-phenotyped methamphetamine users who were participating in our clinical studies, including a pharmacogenetic clinical trial of bupropion for methamphetamine dependence. This outpatient study for treatment seeking, methamphetamine-dependent persons has been completed and we are analyzing the samples and data collected.
OUTCOMES: Results of this study can be found in the following publication:
1.Heinzerling KG, McCracken JT, Swanson AN, Ray LA, Shoptaw SJ. COMT Val158Met, BDNF Val66Met, and OPRM1 Asn40Asp and methamphetamine dependence treatment response: preliminary investigation. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2012 Feb;32(1):135-7. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0b013e318240a48e. PMID: 22217949; PMCID: PMC3597465.