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watch One-Minute World News Last Updated: Monday, 14 April,
2003, 13:26 GMT 14:26 UK DNA chip gives drug advice Genetic
information can show how well people process drugs Doctors will
be able to personally tailor treatments using a DNA test which
shows which drugs will work best.  Its makers Roche say the chip
will cut out the need for patients to try out a series of drugs,
risking side effects or reactions, before finding the right one
for them.  The chip will be able to analyse drugs used to treat
conditions including heart disease and psychiatric disorders.
The test will be used in high-tech laboratories in the US from
May, and the company is also seeking European approval for the
chip.   Factors such as age, what other drugs a patient is
taking, diet and how ill a person is affects how well a drug
works.  Most harmful drug reactions will not be solved by this
technology Dr Helen Wallace, Genewatch  But variations in genes
controlling how drugs