Our lab is focused on improving therapeutic treatments for mental illness in the elderly. We use approaches that examine genetic differences in drug response (pharmacogenetics) as well as the metabolism of medications in the elderly (pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics). The aim is to find minimal doses that lead to treatment response while reducing side effects.

As drug-related illnesses and death are the most frequent treatable illness in older patients, this work has public health implications in preventing adverse drug reactions. This population has commonly been excluded from drug trials, despite the age-associated changes that increase medication concentrations, which affects the efficacy and safety of medications.

Lab members

Head: Dr. Bruce G. Pollock​
Dr. Robert Bies
Dr. Simon Davies​