PHARMACOGENOMICS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE: OPPORTUNITIES AND BARRIERS IN PRECISION MEDICINE

Pharmacogenomics has emerged as a key driver of precision medicine, aiming to optimize drug therapy based on an individual’s genetic profile. By understanding genetic variations that influence drug metabolism, efficacy, and toxicity, pharmacogenomics enables personalized treatment strategies that improve clinical outcomes and reduce adverse drug reactions. Advances in genomic technologies, including next-generation sequencing and high-throughput genotyping, have facilitated the identification of clinically relevant pharmacogenomic biomarkers. These developments have led to the integration of pharmacogenomic testing in various therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiology, psychiatry, and infectious diseases. Despite its significant potential, the widespread implementation of pharmacogenomics in clinical practice faces several barriers, including high costs, limited infrastructure, lack of clinician awareness, and ethical and regulatory challenges. Additionally, variability in genetic data interpretation and limited inclusion of diverse populations in genomic studies remain concerns. This review explores the opportunities offered by pharmacogenomics in enhancing therapeutic efficacy and safety, while also addressing the key challenges hindering its routine clinical adoption in the era of precision medicine