EP 133: Insights into pharmacogenomics and increasing diversity in genomics research with Dr. Emma Magavern
May 2, 2024
Join us as we welcome Dr. Emma Magavern to The Genetics Podcast! In addition to being a medical doctor with an English Literature degree, Dr. Magovern is a Clinical Research Fellow at the Centre of Clinical Pharmacology and Precision Medicine at Queen Mary, Barts, and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry. Emma also works closely with East London Genes and Health, a program dedicated to increasing engagement in a community that is underrepresented in research. Most recently, she published a paper looking at pharmacogenomics in a British South Asian population. Tune in to this interesting episode!
0:00 Introduction
2:00 The value of an English Literature degree in designing and analysing research studies in medicine
3:45 Emma’s entrance to pharmacogenomics and her transition from practising physician to genetics research
6:00 How the East London Genes and Health program is increasing representation of diverse populations, namely South Asians, in genomics research
9:00 The scale of data available from linking electronic health data to research
11:15 The unclear bidirectional relationship between statins and cataracts
17:00 A potentially protective gene factor that can reduce the likelihood of cataracts in those who take statins
22:15 Striving for global, diverse representation in pharmacogenomics research
26:40 The risk of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) for a relatively new Alzheimer’s disease drug, and implications for future drug development
29:15 How pharmacogenomics fits into medicine and healthcare systems
31:30 The challenges of incorporating preventive care into existing healthcare systems
34:00 Building trust as a cornerstone of healthcare, community medicine, and research
39:00 Community views on pharmacogenomics
40:15 Closing remarks
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