Pharmacogenomics (sometimes called pharmacogenetics) is a field of research that studies how a person’s genes affect how he or she responds to medications. Its long-term goal is to help doctors select the drugs and doses best suited for each person. It is part of the field of precision medicine, which aims to treat each patient individually. Genes are instructions, written in DNA, for building protein molecules. Different people can have different versions of the same gene. Each version has a slightly different DNA sequence. Some of these variants are common, and some are rare. And some affect health, such as those gene variants linked to certain diseases.

Scientists know that certain proteins affect how drugs work. Pharmacogenomics looks at variations in genes for these proteins. Such proteins include liver enzymes that chemically change drugs. Sometimes chemical changes can make the drugs more—or less—active in the body. Even small differences in the genes for these liver enzymes can have a big impact on a drug’s safety or effectiveness.

One liver enzyme, known as CYP2D6, acts on a quarter of all prescription drugs. For example, it converts the painkiller codeine into its active form, morphine. There are more than 160 versions of the CYP2D6 gene. Many vary by only a single difference in their DNA sequence. Others have larger changes. Most of these variants don’t affect how people respond to the drug. Typically, people have two copies of each gene. However, some people have hundreds or even thousands of copies of the CYP2D6 gene. Those with extra copies produce too much of the CYP2D6 enzyme and process the drug very fast. As a result, their bodies may convert codeine to morphine so quickly and completely that a standard dose can be an overdose. In contrast, some variants of CYP2D6 create an enzyme that doesn’t work. People with these variants process codeine slowly, if at all, leading to little, if any, pain relief. For them, doctors can prescribe a different drug.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors drug safety in the United States. It now includes pharmacogenomic information on the labels of around 200 medications. This information can help doctors tailor drug prescriptions for individual patients by providing guidance on dose, possible side effects, or differences in effectiveness for people with certain gene variants. Drug companies are also using pharmacogenomics to develop and market medicines for people with specific genetic profiles. By studying a drug only in people likely to benefit from it, drug companies might be able to speed up the drug’s development and maximize its therapeutic benefit.

“Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry: Open Access” has assembled renowned scientists together in the Editorial board in order to ensure quality and originality in the manuscripts. The Journal publishes Original research, Review articles, Case reports, Short communications, Mini reviews, Book reviews, etc., aimed at encapsulating the latest knowledge that synthesizes new theories and methodologies and also explores the leading-edge technology used in various research methodologies.

Thanks and Regards,

Angelina Matthew

Managing Editor
Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry