Importance of using a pharmacogenetic approach to predict individual pharmacokinetics and safety profile of apixaban

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a trend towards increased prescribing of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) due to favourable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics without the need for regular coagulation monitoring. However, recent studies have documented individual variability in plasma DOAC levels. DOAC pharmacogenetics is a relatively new area of research. There is a need to understand the role of pharmacogenetics in the adaptation of anticoagulant therapy according to a patient’s genetic characteristics. This scientific review of current data on the impact of different gene polymorphisms on apixaban pharmacokinetics broadens the understanding of the clinical relevance of genotyping for treatment efficacy and safety.