CRISPR-cas systems in pharmacology: functional pharmacogenomics, drug screening, resistance, and therapeutic...

CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology has advanced pharmacological research by enabling targeted genetic modification for disease modeling, therapeutic development, and precision medicine. This review discusses the applications of CRISPR-Cas9 in drug discovery, personalized therapy, cancer drug resistance research, genetic disorders, and antimicrobial resistance. By editing disease-associated genes, CRISPR-Cas9 supports the development of patient-specific therapeutic strategies and more accurate preclinical models. In cancer, CRISPR-Cas9 is used to investigate the target genes involved in treatment resistance, while in genetic disorders, it offers potential mutation-correcting approaches, with the most robust clinical evidence currently seen in selected hemoglobinopathies. CRISPR-based strategies also hold promise for restoring antibiotic susceptibility by targeting genes that confer antibiotic resistance. Despite these advances, clinical translation remains limited by off-target effects, delivery challenges, immune responses, long-term safety concerns, and ethical and regulatory issues. Continued improvements in editing precision, delivery systems, and governance frameworks are essential for responsible clinical integration. Overall, CRISPR-Cas9 represents a vital platform for future pharmacological innovation, but its broad clinical use may require further validation of safety, efficacy, durability, and accessibility.