Abstract

Pharmacogenomics, a field at the intersection of pharmacology and genomics, aims to uncover how an individual’s genetic makeup influences their response to drugs. By studying genetic variations that affect drug metabolism and efficacy, pharmacogenomics holds great promise for optimizing drug selection and dosage, thereby improving treatment outcomes and minimizing adverse effects. This article provides an overview of pharmacogenomics, its applications in personalized medicine, and the challenges associated with its implementation. Pharmacogenomics focuses on analyzing how an individual’s genetic variations affect drug response, metabolism, and toxicity. Genetic variations, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), can occur in genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes, drug targets, or transporters. These SNPs can lead to interindividual differences in drug efficacy and safety. The field of pharmacogenomics employs advanced technologies such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify genetic variants associated with drug response. Through these studies, researchers aim to establish predictive biomarkers that can guide clinicians in tailoring drug therapies based on an individual’s genetic profile.

Keywords: Pharmacogenomics; Personalized medicine; Genetic variations; Drug response; Drug metabolism; Single nucleotide polymorphisms (Snps); Genome-wide association studies