DNA test 'to help smokers quit'

Last updated at 12:15 02 December 2004


A new DNA test detecting the "addiction gene" will help more smokers be successful in quitting the habit, it has been claimed.

The NicoTest analyses a DNA sample provided by would-be quitters to see how they would respond to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and other treatments.

The test also provides a "metabolic profile" which shows how quickly a smoker is able to clear nicotine from his or her body, helping to determine the right dose of NRT.

But at a cost of almost £100 for the test, many smokers may be tempted to use more old-fashioned methods to help them kick the habit.

Researchers at Oxford University have found a gene which is present in about 35% of babies which predisposes them to tobacco addiction and is also linked to being able to stop smoking.

The g-Nostics team found that 40% of smokers with the "addiction gene" could successfully give up if they used the right NRT treatment, compared to 20% without the gene who could quit with NRT.

The NicoTest creates a personalised treatment programme, setting out the combination of treatments needed to maximise the chances of successfully quitting.

Mark Tucker, co-founder of g-Nostics, said: "Presently, too much medical advice relies on a 'one size fits all' approach.

"The future lies in tailored therapy to reduce side effects and increase the chances of successful treatment.

"The science shows that one of the keys to quitting lies within the genes and we believe every single smoker needs a personalised prescription for success."

Prof Gordon McVie, of the European Institute of Oncology, said: "The variation in people's genetic predisposition to handling addictive products and other drug makes the common sense behind this new test blindingly obvious.

"NicoTest is a model of how we should exploit research in the prevention of cancer."

It is hoped the test could be available from pharmacies at some point next year.

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