Novel urine test could predict drug side effect risk

A new study published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showed that it was possible to predict how different individuals would deal with a drug by looking at the levels of different products of metabolism, known as metabolites, in their urine before they took a dose.

The researchers, from Imperial College London and Pfizer Research and Development, said this could help drug makers match different medicines to each patient’s individual needs and eliminate the risk of them suffering side effects.

The study, which analysed 99 healthy male volunteers between the ages of 18 and 64 taking one dose of paracetamol, found that a compound called para-cresol sulphate was an indicator of how the men would metabolise the dose of paracetamol.

Those with higher levels of para-cresol sulphate metabolised the drug differently from the men who had lower levels. The scientists suggest that this is because the body uses compounds containing sulphur to process drugs like paracetamol effectively and para-cresol can deplete sulphur compounds in the body.

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