Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Drug Repurposing Hypothesis Generation Using the "RE:fine Drugs" System
Published on: December 11, 2016
Pharmacogenomics--the potential of genetically guided prescribing
1The Geelong Clinic, Geelong, Victoria. ajeetsingh@dodo.com.au
Background:
Matching patients to effective tolerable medications can take months of trial and error. Genetic factors can strongly influence drug response. One of the potential clinical applications of the Human Genome Project is prediction of medication response--pharmacogenomics.
Objective:
This article reviews the emerging field of pharmacogenomics and its clinical potential using the example of antidepressant and anticoagulant medication prescribing.
Discussion:
Growing evidence suggests genomic profiling for common variants in cytochrome P450 enzymes and transport systems involving serotonin, noradrenaline and the blood-brain barrier could inform antidepressant prescribing. Similarly, genetic testing for variants in cytochrome CYP2C9 and vitamin K epoxide reductase could inform decisions about prescribing warfarin. Large clinical trials to determine the clinical utility of this approach are required before pharmacogenomics enters routine clinical practice.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics: Overview
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Metabolism: Overview
Principles of Pharmacogenetics: Types of Genetic Variants
Pharmacogenetics of Phase I Enzymes: Cytochrome P450 Isozymes