PHARMACOGENETIC: PRINCIPLES, APLICATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Multiple factors may affect drug responses. These factors include disease state, environmental factors and genetic background. Pharmacogenetics is a new branch within the field of Clinical Pharmacology with a main focus on how intersubject genetic differences may affect drug responses. In this regard, many polymorphisms in the genes involved in drug metabolism, transport or receptors may contribute to variability in drug responses. This review will focus on the basic principles, clinical implications and new perspectives for this new discipline. Clinically relevant new findings will be used as examples of important contributions resulting from translational research potentially leading to improved therapeutics.