Yes — the active ingredient is metabolized by a gene known to vary between individuals.
Relevant genes: CYP2C19
Welireg is affected by pharmacogenetics through the CYP2C19 gene. Your genotype for this gene can change how your body processes Welireg, which can affect both how well it works and how well you tolerate it. The strongest evidence level on this page is Moderate, based on CPIC or FDA guidelines.
Published guidance from FDA on how belzutifan should be dosed or substituted based on your CYP2C19 phenotype.
| Phenotype | What it means | Recommendation | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ultrarapid Metabolizer
CYP2C19
|
Your body processes belzutifan at a normal rate. The standard dose should work as expected. |
FDA
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
|
Rapid Metabolizer
CYP2C19
|
Your body processes belzutifan at a normal rate. The standard dose should work as expected. |
FDA
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
|
Normal Metabolizer
CYP2C19
|
Your body processes belzutifan at a normal rate. The standard dose should work as expected. |
FDA
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
|
Intermediate Metabolizer
CYP2C19
|
Your body processes belzutifan at a normal rate. The standard dose should work as expected. |
FDA
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
|
Poor Metabolizer
CYP2C19
|
Your body breaks down belzutifan more slowly than normal, causing higher drug levels. This increases the risk of side effects like anemia and low oxygen levels, so closer monitoring is needed. |
FDA
Initiate at standard dose with enhanced monitoring for anemia and hypoxia due to higher systemic concentrations.
|
Moderate |
|
Likely Intermediate Metabolizer
CYP2C19
|
Your body likely processes belzutifan at a near-normal rate. The standard dose should work as expected. |
FDA
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
|
Likely Poor Metabolizer
CYP2C19
|
Your body likely breaks down belzutifan more slowly than normal, causing higher drug levels. This increases the risk of side effects like anemia and low oxygen levels, so closer monitoring is needed. |
FDA
Initiate at standard dose with enhanced monitoring for anemia and hypoxia due to higher systemic concentrations.
|
Moderate |
|
Indeterminate
CYP2C19
|
The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown |
FDA
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
|
Not available
CYP2C19
|
The impact of your genotype on response to this drug is unknown |
FDA
Initiate therapy with recommended starting dose.
|
— |
Source: FDA
CYP2C19 handles several SSRIs (citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline), proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, esomeprazole), and the blood thinner clopidogrel. About 2 to 5 percent of people of European descent and 15 to 20 percent of people of East Asian descent are poor metabolizers. Another 30 percent carry a rapid-metabolizer variant.
Rapid metabolizers clear affected drugs before they reach therapeutic levels. Poor metabolizers accumulate the drug and feel stronger effects.
Browse the full drug-class: Chemotherapy agents.
This page describes the general pharmacogenetics. A Gene2Rx report analyzes your own DNA to tell you which metabolizer group you fall into, across every medication.
Get your report Look up another medicationInformational only — not medical advice. Pharmacogenetic guidance describes population-level patterns; your individual response depends on many factors. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your prescribing clinician.