Creating genetic tools to predict how African Americans respond to medications
Official title: Development of Polygenic Scores for Medication Response in Diverse Populations
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-10904500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working to create better tools that help predict how African Americans will respond to medications, using their unique genetic background, so that treatments can be safer and more effective for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $246,776 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HL168695-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904500 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American individuals who are taking or may need medications for common chronic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not of African descent or those who do not have common chronic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop polygenic scores (PS) specifically for African American populations to better predict medication responses. Current PS are primarily based on European genetic data, which limits their effectiveness for non-European individuals. By utilizing innovative analytic methods that consider localized ancestry, the project seeks to create more accurate PS that reflect the unique genetic makeup of African Americans. This approach will enhance the understanding of how genetic factors influence medication efficacy and safety in these populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective medication treatments for African American patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing polygenic scores for specific populations, but this approach is particularly novel in its focus on African Americans and medication response.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lanfear, David E — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Lanfear, David E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.