Pharmacogenomics: bridging the gap between science and practice.
OBJECTIVE
To educate pharmacists about principles and concepts in pharmacogenomics, clinical applications of pharmacogenomic information, and the social, ethical, and legal aspects of pharmacogenomics and to describe a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-supported pharmacogenomics education program for pharmacists and other health professionals.


METHODS
Primary literature from PubMed, recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration and Evaluation of Genomic Applications in Practice and Prevention Working Group, prescribing information, websites of government agencies and professional organizations, and relevant textbooks.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Not applicable.


RESULTS
Principles and concepts of pharmacogenomic nomenclature, polymorphism types, and systematic approach to understanding polymorphisms were reviewed. Drug therapy for select therapeutic areas that highlight the applicability of pharmacogenomics are presented, including abacavir, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tamoxifen, and warfarin. Challenges of translating pharmacogenomics into clinical practice included ethical, social, legal, and economic issues. We have developed a pharmacogenomics education program to disseminate evidence-based pharmacogenomics information and provide a resource for health professionals, including pharmacists.


CONCLUSIONS
Pharmacists play a critical role in the education of patients and health professionals in the area of pharmacogenomics.
Lee
Kelly C
KC
Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0714, USA. kellylee@ucsd.edu
Ma
Joseph D
JD
Kuo
Grace M
GM
D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000379:methods; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D004513:Education, Pharmacy, Continuing; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005820:Genetic Testing; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D010597:Pharmacogenetics / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education* / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000639:trends; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012935:Social Justice; D014481:United States
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations