# Gene variants affecting drug dosing found in 99.5% of nearly 100,000 All of Us participants

- Published: 2026-11-14 12:12 UTC
- Section: Life & Health › Medicine
- Tags: drug response genetics, All of Us Research Program, Science Translational Medicine, pharmacokinetics, drug metabolism genes, gene variants, omeprazole, statins, whole-genome sequencing
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-a2378ac3488ec3eb5108cb08_gene_variants_affecting/

**A genome analysis of nearly 100,000 All of Us participants across 16 genes found that about 24% already take drugs their genetics process atypically.**

![Gene variants affecting drug dosing found in 99.5% of nearly 100,000 All of Us participants](https://realtech.media/media/2026/11/911bc6c3a587c724.png)
*pravda.ru*

According to pravda.ru, researchers have published in Science Translational Medicine an analysis of how genetic differences affect the response to drugs. They examined whole-genome sequences and medical records of almost 100,000 participants of the All of Us Research Program at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) [1]. The program aims to study the health of more than a million people, with attention to groups historically excluded from biomedical research [1].

## Variants in 16 drug-metabolism genes

The team focused on 16 genes with an established link to drug metabolism. Every participant carried at least one variation that may affect the efficacy or safety of particular drugs [1]. About 99.5% of people had variants for which the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or clinical guidelines strongly advise changing the dose or choosing another drug [1].

Approximately 24% of participants were already taking drugs that their own genetics process atypically [1]. These were common medicines, such as proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole) for reducing stomach acidity and statins for controlling cholesterol [1]. The authors note that 24% is closer to a minimum estimate: medical records often have gaps, so the real share may be higher [1].

The analysis also identified 17,704 previously unregistered variants in the protein-coding regions of these genes [1]. Computer models predicted that a quarter of them may substantially affect pharmacokinetics, that is, how quickly the body absorbs, distributes and eliminates a drug [1]. Earlier genetic data relied mostly on people of European origin, which is why the diversity of this sample matters [1].

## Limits of the findings

The authors separate the stage of basic data from clinical use. Genetics is only one of several factors: the rate of drug breakdown and its concentration in the blood also depend on age, liver and kidney function, and interactions with other medications [1].

The study does not prove that mass genetic testing will automatically improve treatment outcomes for each patient [1]. It shows that individual differences in drug metabolism are the norm rather than the exception [1]. Decisions on dose or on changing a drug remain with the treating physician, who considers the full clinical picture and not only genetic markers [1].

## Sources

1. [pravda.ru](https://www.pravda.ru/news/health/2442387-dna-variants-medication-response-study)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-a2378ac3488ec3eb5108cb08_gene_variants_affecting/