PRECISION PERSPECTIVES
THE PHARMACOGENOMIC REVOLUTION: WHERE PHARMACISTS CONDUCT THE SYMPHONY OF PERSONALISED MEDICINE The dawn of personalised medicine has arrived, and pharmacists stand at the forefront, wielding the powerful tool of pharmacogenomics (PGx). This field unlocks the secrets of our genes, guiding us towards optimal medication choices and minimising adverse reactions. Pharmacists, with their deep understanding of drugs and unwavering dedication to patient care, are poised to revolutionise healthcare. BY MOHAMED NAGY Pharmacy Director & Head of Personalized Medication Management, C h i l d r e n’s C a n c e r H o s p i t a l E g y p t 5 7 3 5 7 (C C H E ) Deputy for ME A region, Global PGx Committee, Pharmacogenomics Global Research Network (PGRN)
Gx is the marriage of pharmacology and genetics, a dance between the science of how drugs work and the language of our genetic blueprint. It unveils how individual gene variations influence our medication response, predicting who will thrive on a particular drug and who might suffer adverse reactions. Imagine a world where medications are no longer one-size-fits-all but meticulously crafted to orchestrate a harmonious symphony within each patient’s body. This is the future PGx promises, and pharmacists are the maestros poised to conduct it. But what makes pharmacists the ideal conductors of this transformative movement? Deep knowledge of drugs: Pharmacists are drug experts intimately familiar with their mechanisms of action, interactions, and potential side effects. This expertise lays the foundation for understanding how PGx can influence these factors and personalise treatment plans. Accessibility and patient trust: As the most accessible healthcare professionals, pharmacists enjoy a special bond with their patients. They are the confidantes, the educators, and the tireless advocates, earning trust through personalised care and unwavering dedication. This unique relationship positions them to effectively explain PGx and guide patients through this journey of personalised medicine.
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PrecisionMed International Magazine // January 2024