Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genes affect a persons response to drugs. This relatively new field combines pharmacology (the science of drugs) and genomics (the study of genes and their functions) to develop effective, safe medications and doses that will be tailored to a persons genetic makeup.

Many drugs that are currently available are one size fits all, but they dont work the same way for everyone. It can be difficult to predict who will benefit from a medication, who will not respond at all, and who will experience negative side effects (called adverse drug reactions). Adverse drug reactions are a significant cause of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. With the knowledge gained from the Human Genome Project, researchers are learning how inherited differences in genes affect the bodys response to medications. These genetic differences will be used to predict whether a medication will be effective for a particular person and to help prevent adverse drug reactions.

The field of pharmacogenomics is still in its infancy. Its use is currently quite limited, but new approaches are under study in clinical trials. In the future, pharmacogenomics will allow the development of tailored drugs to treat a wide range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and asthma.

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences offers a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Pharmacogenomics.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions about Pharmacogenomics is also offered by the National Human Genome Research Institute.

Additional information about pharmacogenetics is available from the Centre for Genetics Education as well as Genes In Life.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural Historys exhibit Genome: Unlocking Lifes Code discusses the utility of pharmacogenomics.

The Genetic Science Learning Center at the University of Utah offers an interactive introduction to pharmacogenomics. Another interactive tutorial is available from the PHG Foundation.

The American Medical Association explains what pharmacogenomics is and provides a list of practical applications.

The National Genetics and Genomics Education Centre of the National Health Service (UK) provides information about predicting the effects of drugs based on a persons genes.

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What is pharmacogenomics? - Genetics Home Reference