Systems-Based Approach to Drug Response

Abstract

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) involves investigation into the genetic basis of interindividual differences in drug responses, such as efficacy, dose requirements, and adverse events. PGx can be used as a tool for personalizing health care on the basis of individual genetic variations. It may decrease the amount of time needed to identify the most beneficial drug and dosage for a patient, minimize exposure to ineffective treatments, reduce the rates of adverse drug reactions, and improve the economic efficiency of the health care system. However, there are a number of obstacles blocking the achievement of personalized therapy through the full implementation of PGx. In this review, we focus on the barriers to the implementation of a system for PGx in the pretest, the PGx test, and posttest phases, and the solution for these barriers.