G6PD App: Helping the G6PD Community

In New York, 1 in 25 newborns is diagnosed with G6PD enzyme deficiency, a genetic condition affecting over 500 million people worldwide. [1] Thanks to a 2021 bill advocated by the G6PD Deficiency Foundation, where I volunteer, newborn screening for G6PD is now mandatory. However, many remain unaware of life-threatening triggers like fava beans, naphthalene balls, and certain antibiotics, which can cause severe hemolysis and hospitalization. As someone diagnosed at birth, I know that G6PD deficiency itself isn’t dangerous—but lack of awareness is. To bridge this gap, I am developing an app that leverages AI and NLP to help G6PD deficient individuals identify unsafe drugs, foods, and chemicals. The initial goal of the app is to analyze an extensive data source like the FDA OpenAPI database, for medications that may be contraindicated for G6PD deficient individuals. Users will be able to search effortlessly to determine whether a drug is safe for G6PD deficient individuals to consume. The app can then be extended to include foods and chemicals through other trustworthy, reliable data sources. In the future, I envision expanding this technology to apply to contraindications for various other medical conditions. Through the app, I hope to help individuals with G6PD deficiency and other life-threatening conditions live a normal and healthy lifestyle.