Mendelian randomization: a novel approach for the prediction of adverse drug events and drug repurposing opportunities.

ABSTRACT: Identification of unintended drug effects, specifically drug repurposing opportunities and adverse drug events, maximizes the benefit of a drug and protects the health of patients. However, current observational research methods are subject to several biases. These include confounding by indication, reverse causality and missing data. We propose that Mendelian randomization (MR) offers a novel approach for the prediction of unintended drug effects. In particular, we advocate the synthesis of evidence from this method and other approaches, in the spirit of triangulation, to improve causal inferences concerning drug effects. MR addresses some of the limitations associated with the existing methods in this field. Furthermore, it can be applied either before or after approval of the drug, and

SUBMITTER: Walker VM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5837479 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature