Summary
Studies how genetic variants alter drug response and side effects.
In depth
Variants in CYP enzymes (CYP2D6, CYP2C9) influence drug metabolism; HLA-B*5701 predicts hypersensitivity to abacavir. Testing guides dosing of warfarin and codeine.
Poor, intermediate, normal and ultra-rapid metaboliser categories result from CYP variants. Testing before prescribing avoids toxicity or lack of effect.
Remember: ethnicity influences allele frequencies, but genotype, not race, is the relevant factor.
Pharmacogenomics studies how inherited variants influence drug response, covering metabolism, transport and targets. Enzymes of the cytochrome P450 family, such as CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, vary in activity, making people poor, normal or ultra-rapid metabolisers.
Examples: variants in CYP2C19 affect the activation of clopidogrel; HLA-B*57:01 predicts severe hypersensitivity to abacavir, so testing is required; TPMT variants alter dosing of thiopurines. Guidelines (CPIC) recommend adjusted doses.
Common mistake: assuming genes alone determine response; age, diet, other medicines and organ function also matter.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pharmacogenomics?
Studies how genetic variants alter drug response and side effects.
Which area of biology covers Pharmacogenomics, and how advanced is it?
Pharmacogenomics is one of the 56 topics in Biotechnology & Genomics. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Personalised Medicine, Functional Genomics, Gene Drives.
Why does Pharmacogenomics matter?
It reduces adverse reactions and wasted treatment.
Can you give an example of Pharmacogenomics?
Some people are ultra-rapid codeine metabolisers, risking overdose.
What should I learn before Pharmacogenomics?
Work through the Beginner topics in Biotechnology & Genomics first, such as Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Selective Breeding, then return to Pharmacogenomics. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Pharmacogenomics?
The closest topics to Pharmacogenomics are Personalised Medicine, Functional Genomics, Gene Drives, Machine Learning in Biology. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Pharmacogenomics?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Pharmacogenomics. To practise the whole of Biotechnology & Genomics, use the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz.
How is Pharmacogenomics different from Personalised Medicine?
Pharmacogenomics: Studies how genetic variants alter drug response and side effects. Personalised Medicine: Tailoring treatment to a patient's genetic profile, for example in pharmacogenomics. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
What is a common mistake about Pharmacogenomics?
Assuming genes alone determine response; age, diet, other medicines and organ function also matter.
How should I study Pharmacogenomics step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Personalised Medicine and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Biotechnology & Genomics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.