Why in news?
Pharmacogenomics is transforming medicine by replacing trial-and-error prescribing with precision drug prescriptions based on genetic information. This approach improves safety and effectiveness in drug therapy.​
 
What is Pharmacogenomics?

• Pharmacogenomics combines pharmacology (the study of drugs) and genomics (the study of genes) to understand genetic variations that affect drug absorption, metabolism, efficacy, and toxicity.​
• Helps in prescribing drug according to genetic profiles can help optimize dosing, avoid harmful side effects, and increase effectiveness, moving away from the traditional 'one-dose-fits-all' approach.​

Mechanisms and Applications

• Genetic differences, especially in drug-metabolizing enzymes like those in the cytochrome P450 family (e.g., CYP2D6, CYP2C9), play a crucial role in how individuals process many medications.​
• Pharmacogenomic testing is increasingly used in clinical practice for drugs in cardiology, cancer therapy, psychiatry, pain management, and more, guiding safer and more effective treatment decisions.​

Benefits

• Reduces trial-and-error in prescribing by identifying patients who may benefit from certain medications or who are at risk of negative drug reactions.​
• Improves drug efficacy, minimizes adverse effects, and can sometimes reduce polypharmacy by targeting therapies according to genetic information.​

Pharmacogenomics is a key part of precision medicine, helping healthcare providers offer individually tailored treatments and paving the way for a future where genetic information routinely guides medical decisions.​

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