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a16z Podcast | The Genetics Of Drug Delivery
10 segments available
In this episode of the a16z Podcast introduced by Vijay Pande (based on a presentation at our summit event), Russ Altman, Stanford professor of bioengineering -- and former chairman of their Bioengineering Department -- takes us on a short but deep tour of the possibilities of genomics in drug discovery. Including how building a large bank of human genetic variations will change our understanding and optimization of drug response. Altman (who also hosts his own radio show, "The Future of Everything" on SiriusXM and Stanford radio) describes how in much the same way we inherit our grandmother's eyes, or our great grandfather's ears, we also inherit a response to certain drugs: whether they work or not, what side effects we'll experience, how we react to them. But it's not just genetics information that matters here; it's also molecular, cellular, tissue, and other data about the whole organism. By applying data science and bioinformatics on a more complete data "bank" like this, for the first time, we can see the whole range of actions and side effects -- as well as possible new uses -- that specific drugs will have on specific individuals.
Segments Timeline
Introduction to Drug Response Genetics
Vijay Pande introduces the podcast episode featuring Russ Altman, a Stanford professor, who discusses the genetics of drug response. Altman highlights the importance of understanding how genetic variations influence drug efficacy and side effects, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of pharmacogenomics.
"hi I'm Vijay Pandey journal' partner a 16z this episode of these 16 podcasts is on the genetics of drug response this was recorded as part of our a six and Zita normal summit it gives a great deep div..."
Building the PharmGKB Database
Russ Altman explains the PharmGKB (Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base), a database developed over 16 years that catalogs how human genetic variations affect drug responses. He emphasizes that just like physical traits, drug responses are inherited, and understanding these genetic factors is crucial for optimizing drug therapies.
"University so let me just tell you quickly that I get most of my funding from the National Institutes of Health I also have collaborations with Pfizer and Genentech and Carius and second-home and I am..."
The Codeine Example
Altman uses codeine as a case study to illustrate genetic variability in drug metabolism. He explains how some individuals cannot convert codeine into morphine due to genetic differences, leading to ineffective pain relief. This example underscores the need for personalized medicine based on genetic profiles.
"quite a large knowledge base of genetic variations in humans and how they can affect the response to drugs one quick example codeine codeine is in Thailand number three any of you have had a minor pro..."
Understanding Drug Effects
Altman discusses the limitations of current drug trials, which often focus narrowly on specific outcomes. He argues for a broader understanding of drug effects, including side effects and interactions, to improve drug development and patient outcomes. This comprehensive approach is essential for future pharmaceutical innovations.
"information system with knowledge of your genomes securely which can then help your your prescriber make decisions about the drugs that are most likely to work and a least likely to cause side effects..."
Characterizing Drug Responses
Altman elaborates on the multi-level characterization of drug responses, from molecular interactions to cellular and tissue-level effects. He emphasizes the importance of integrating data across different biological scales to gain a complete understanding of how drugs work and their potential side effects.
"optimize their production and use of drugs so when I talk about drug responses they happen one of the things that makes this I wouldn't say easy but one of the fortunate situations is because it's a b..."
Integrating Data for Better Insights
Altman highlights the advantages of using diverse data sources, including electronic medical records and population-level databases, to validate drug effects. He stresses that integrating signals from various levels can enhance confidence in findings and lead to more effective drug therapies.
"understanding how a small molecule or large molecule drug changes the cellular milieu the expression of the genes which genes are turned on which genes are turned off how that cell is working but we'r..."
Expanding Knowledge of Drug Side Effects
Altman shares insights from research on FDA adverse event databases, revealing that many side effects go unreported. By analyzing data from multiple sources, his team has identified numerous additional side effects, demonstrating the need for a more comprehensive understanding of drug safety.
"artifact of the data and so this these levels of abstraction that we have in biology and therefore medicine are incredibly useful for rectifying the signals and this is what is not done typically agai..."
Drug Interactions and Their Implications
Altman discusses the critical issue of drug interactions, particularly in older patients who often take multiple medications. He presents findings on how certain drug combinations can lead to unexpected increases in blood glucose levels, highlighting the importance of studying drug interactions in depth.
"differentiating in a market and things like that so that's a little story about how we look at getting a better sense of all the side effects of drugs drug interactions are incredibly important the av..."
Repurposing Existing Drugs
Altman introduces the concept of drug repurposing, where existing medications are evaluated for new therapeutic uses. He explains how insights from side effects and drug interactions can guide this process, potentially leading to new treatments for various conditions, including cancer.
"a very clear signal we actually took that information and went to search logs in a collaboration with Microsoft we looked at what people who were on well we don't know if they were on these drugs we j..."
The Future of Drug Discovery
In closing, Altman expresses optimism about the future of drug discovery, emphasizing the role of data science in integrating diverse information sources. He believes this approach will enhance our understanding of drug actions and improve patient care, paving the way for more personalized medicine.
"getting treated and then finally the third thing is getting new uses for old drugs this is a very exciting idea maybe many of you have heard about it's called repurposing if you're gonna repurpose her..."