SBIR/STTR Phase I: Pharmacogenomic Depression Treatment Prediction

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop a software platform, GeneRx for depression. This platform will incorporate pharmacogenetics and nonlinear adaptive algorithms toward optimizing anti-depressant treatment on a patient-specific basis. In this Phase I project, a predictive algorithm will be developed using genetic and medical chart information from patients diagnosed with major depressive disorders who have taken the anti-depressant citalopram. Genetic data will be acquired by genotyping DNA from blood samples for selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that have been directly affected by citalopram. Prediction of response to citalopram is important in order to avoid delays in receiving adequate treatment and to avoid exposure to unnecessary side effects. The commercial applications of this project are in the area of healthcare management and delivery.