A systematic review on the cost effectiveness of pharmacogenomics in developing countries: implementation challenges

Area of Science:

• Pharmacogenomics
• Health Economics
• Global Health

Background:

• Implementation of pharmacogenomics in clinical practice faces significant challenges in developing countries, particularly low- and middle-income nations.
• Recognizing these barriers is crucial for advancing personalized medicine globally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the existing evidence on the cost-effectiveness of pharmacogenomics testing in developing countries.
• To synthesize findings regarding the economic viability of pharmacogenomics in diverse clinical applications within these settings.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of pharmacogenomics testing in United Nations-defined developing countries.
• Inclusion of 27 articles assessing pharmacogenomics for drugs treating cancers, cardiovascular diseases, gout, and epilepsy.

Main Results:

• Most studies reported pharmacogenomics testing to be cost-effective, particularly for cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and tuberculosis.
• Economic models varied in perspective, cost categories, and time horizons; most studies utilized single-gene testing.
• Genotyping costs and the frequency of risk alleles significantly influence cost-effectiveness outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Pharmacogenomics testing demonstrates potential cost-effectiveness in developing countries for specific therapeutic areas.
• Further research is essential to validate the clinical utility and economic benefits of pharmacogenomics in these diverse populations.