The PHOENIX Study, described as one of the largest pharmacogenomics trials of its kind worldwide, has begun recruiting patients in Scotland to demonstrate how genetic testing can revolutionize drug prescribing by personalizing treatments and reducing harmful side effects.
The landmark trial will enroll up to 4,000 patients over the next two years within the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, investigating how individual genetic profiles influence responses to 60 commonly prescribed medications across the NHS. Researchers aim to provide the real-world evidence needed to make precision medicine a routine part of healthcare delivery.
Trial Design and Implementation
Led by Professor Sandosh Padmanabhan, Pontecorvo Chair of Pharmacogenomics at the University of Glasgow, the study is being conducted at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) in partnership with the University of Glasgow's Living Laboratory, the NHSGGC-hosted West of Scotland Innovation Hub, and industry partners MyDNA and Agena Bioscience.
Recruitment began this spring, focusing on adult inpatients of all ages who are newly prescribed one or more of the 60 widely used NHS medications. With patient consent, participants undergo a simple genetic test to analyze their DNA, with results returned within days to help clinicians determine optimal drug selection and dosing based on genetic makeup.
The trial employs a randomized design where enrolled patients are assigned to either receive pharmacogenomic testing immediately or at three months, allowing researchers to establish evidence of clinical benefit. Patients will be treated across multiple specialties including cardiology, stroke, surgery, general medicine, orthopedics, geriatrics, gynecology, ENT, rheumatology, respiratory, neurology, and psychiatry.
Clinical Significance and Expected Outcomes
Approximately 15% of patients are expected to carry genetic variants that may reduce medication effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. Without prior genetic testing, these issues often go unnoticed, leading to what researchers describe as a "trial-and-error approach" to treatment.
Professor Padmanabhan explained the study's primary objective: "The primary goal of this trial is to evaluate the clinical and health-economic impact of PGx-guided prescribing. Specifically, we want to determine if a PGx-guided approach to prescribing can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of drug related side effects and/or treatment failures."
The genetic test results are sent directly to clinicians managing each patient's care, enabling real-time treatment adjustments. Patients receive regular follow-up monitoring to assess the effects of any medication changes, ensuring continued high-quality care.
Patient Experience and Real-World Application
Eric Balish, a 63-year-old retired banking professional from Pollokshields, represents one of the first patients enrolled in the PHOENIX Study. After suffering a heart attack, he was prescribed clopidogrel, one of the 60 drugs included in the trial, though his medication regimen has since been adjusted multiple times.
"I knew a bit about personalised medicine previously, and so when I was asked to take part in the PHOENIX Study I was happy to do it," Balish said. "If you're asked to participate and support long-term research like this, then it's no great hardship to give something back and just do the right thing. I am hopeful my information can be of use to the trial and in the future."
Healthcare System Impact
Dr. Katriona Brooksbank, Research and Innovation Lead for NHSGGC and the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, emphasized the trial's potential transformative impact: "We are incredibly excited to be supporting this trial, which could have a major impact on the treatments patients are prescribed based on their own genetics. It will put precision medicine into action as researchers look to determine how a person's own genetic make-up can affect the drugs they are given as treatments."
The study addresses a significant gap in UK clinical practice, where pharmacogenomics—the study of how genes influence individual drug responses—has not been routinely implemented despite growing recognition of its potential benefits.
Allan Sheffield, Co-Founder of MyDNA, highlighted the trial's broader implications: "For MyDNA, the PHOENIX Study embodies the future of healthcare. Our unique combination of pharmacogenomic clinical decision support and in-house Gene by Gene accredited testing empowers clinicians to move beyond guesswork. This trial will demonstrate the profound impact of precision medicine, paving the way for a future where this approach routinely drives better patient outcomes."
If successful, the PHOENIX Study could lead to wider implementation of genetic testing in prescribing across Scotland, potentially establishing a new standard of care that moves beyond traditional one-size-fits-all medication approaches to truly personalized treatment strategies.
