THE Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), in partnership with Genomics England, has announced a new phase of research under the Yellow Card Biobank initiative. The study will investigate whether an individual’s genetic makeup influences the risk of developing acute pancreatitis while taking GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of medicines used for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss.
Although GLP-1 medicines are generally well tolerated, there have been reports of rare but serious cases of acute pancreatitis, a painful and potentially severe inflammation of the pancreas. The MHRA is encouraging healthcare professionals to report suspected cases through the Yellow Card scheme to support this research. The Biobank will collect saliva samples and clinical data from affected individuals, aiming to identify any genetic factors that may predispose patients to such adverse reactions.
This personalised medicine approach is rooted in the belief that many adverse drug reactions, including a third of all side effects, could be avoided with genetic screening. Adverse drug reactions currently account for an estimated £2.2 billion in NHS hospital stays annually, and one in six hospital admissions is linked to medication-related harm.
Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, UK, emphasised that this research will enable safer prescribing by identifying individuals most at risk of serious side effects. Matt Brown, Chief Scientific Officer at Genomics England, UK, echoed this, stating that the partnership reflects a wider move toward a prevention-first model of healthcare, underpinned by genomic data.
The Yellow Card Biobank is a critical step in enabling clinicians to personalise treatments and reduce harm from medications. Over time, this initiative could transform the safety of prescribing practices, offering targeted screening to ensure patients receive medicines that are not only effective but also genetically appropriate.
Reference
GOV UK. If you take a GLP-1 medicine and have been hospitalised by acute pancreatitis, the Yellow Card Biobank wants to hear from you. 2025, Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/if-you-take-a-glp-1-medicine-and-have-been-hospitalised-by-acute-pancreatitis-the-yellow-card-biobank-wants-to-hear-from-you. Last accessed: 27 June 2025.
