Table 2.

Translational roadmap of CBZ-SJS research and its clinical applications [24].

1998–2004
CBZ, an aromatic anticonvulsant, was recognized as the major cause of SJS, as listed in the records of Taiwan Drug Relief Foundation.
2004
A strong association of CBZ-induced SJS with HLA-B∗15:02 in Han Chinese was first uncovered in Taiwan.
2006
The correlation of CBZ-induced SJS with HLA-B∗15:02 was not existent in Caucasian patients, indicating an ethnical specificity of HLA-B∗15:02 allele.
2007-2008
The association of CBZ-induced SJS with HLA-B∗15:02 was found among many populations in Southeast Asia.
2007
The US Food and Drug Administration has published an alert to healthcare professionals on the use of CBZ to Asians. (The incidence rate of CBZ-induced SJS is 5.9/10000 in Taiwan and 0.2/10000 in the US.)
2007
The Taiwan and US Food and Drug Administration relabeled the drug information of CBZ and recommended a genetic screening of HLA-B∗15:02 prior to starting CBZ in patients with Asian ancestry, particularly for those of Southeast Asian ancestry.
2010
The National Health Insurance in Taiwan has covered the expense of the genetic screening for HLA-B*15:02 in individuals initiating CBZ.

CBZ: carbamazepine; SJS: Stevens-Johnson syndrome; HLA: human leukocyte antigen.