Story perspectives

New Genetic Marker Predicts Severe Allopurinol Reactions

10/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, led by Elizabeth Phillips, identified a new genetic marker, HLA-A*34:02, which, when combined with HLA-B*58:01, could predict severe allopurinol reactions in more than 80% of U.S. patients.
HLA-B*58:01 alone misses significant risk, especially in Black patients.
The study, published in JAMA Dermatology, calls for tailored genetic screening and comprehensive drug hypersensitivity panels for all patients.

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Story summary

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, led by Elizabeth Phillips, identified a new genetic marker, HLA-A*34:02, which, when combined with HLA-B*58:01, could predict severe allopurinol reactions in more than 80% of U.S. patients.
HLA-B*58:01 alone misses significant risk, especially in Black patients.
The study, published in JAMA Dermatology, calls for tailored genetic screening and comprehensive drug hypersensitivity panels for all patients.