The TIMI Genetics Program uses genetics to risk stratify and to evaluate therapies in cardiovascular patients. The program utilizes DNA samples from the broad array of TIMI trials. Notably, the TIMI Genetics Program offers a valuable resource as the genetic analyses are performed in the context of randomized, double-blinded trials, thereby allowing an assessment of the impact of genetics on the relative efficacy and safety of novel treatments. Additionally, the TIMI studies include richly annotated clinical databases that provide information about electrocardiographic, angiographic, protein biomarker, and clinical outcomes. Many genotyping platforms are available in collaboration with core facilities at Harvard University and elsewhere.
Areas of Focus
- Test for pharmacogenetic interactions and identify patients who would derive a particular benefit from a given treatment
- Evaluate genetic markers associated with the development of incident or recurrent cardiovascular disease, as well as diabetes and other metabolic disorders
- Create genetic risk scores to assist with risk stratification and to distinguish individuals who derived greater clinical benefit from treatments
- Perform genetic studies to identify potentially new drug targets
- Use genetic information to randomize patients to different treatments
Key Program Contributions
- Demonstrated the role of CYP2C19 loss-of-function genetic variants on the response to clopidogrel
- Randomized patients to different clopidogrel doses based on genotype
- Evaluated the role of genetic variants on the response to statin therapy