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.

DATA SOURCES: 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.

STUDY SELECTION: Not applicable.

DATA EXTRACTION: Not applicable.

DATA SYNTHESIS: 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.

CONCLUSION: Pharmacists play a critical role in the education of patients and health professionals in the area of pharmacogenomics.