Researchers at Novosibirsk State University are creating a new diagnostic tool designed to improve how doctors prescribe antidepressants. Currently, finding the right medication is often a process of trial and error because individual genetic makeup dictates how a person metabolizes drugs. This project aims to change that by providing clinicians with a clearer picture of patient needs from the very start of treatment.
Led by master’s student Klim Karavaev at the university’s Advanced Engineering School, the team is building a multiplex PCR panel. This technology identifies 10 to 20 specific genetic markers that influence drug metabolism. By analyzing a broader set of markers than existing tests, the researchers intend to give medical professionals more accurate data to guide their initial prescriptions. The work is supported by a grant from the Innovation Assistance Fund and involves collaboration with the genetic testing firm MyGenetics.
The development team is currently in the prototype stage. Over the next year, they plan to validate the selected genetic regions to ensure the test is both stable and reproducible. The goal is to move from theoretical markers to a practical, lab-ready tool that hospitals can use to shorten the search for effective depression management.
This initiative arrives as mental health conditions continue to impact millions of people globally. Data from the World Health Organization indicates that depression may become a leading cause of global disease burden by 2030. As diagnostic numbers climb, tools that target personalized medical approaches are becoming increasingly important for public health outcomes. If this panel succeeds, it will offer a significant shift toward data-driven mental health care.