Introduction
When you think of a career in pharmacy, what comes to mind? Perhaps a clinical pharmacist in a community pharmacy or a hospital-based pharmacist. But what about pharmacogenomics—the study of how an individual’s genetic makeup affects their response to drugs? This emerging field is revolutionizing personalized medicine and improving patient outcomes.
As a high school junior and aspiring pharmacist, I (Amisha) recently had the opportunity to explore this lesser-known but impactful field. Here’s what I discovered about pharmacogenomics and how it is shaping the future of pharmacy.
A Personal Journey into Pharmacy
My journey began when I was five. Inspired by my grandfather, a research pharmacist, I developed a fascination for science. He gifted me a book with a hundred experiments, and we spent countless hours exploring chemistry and biology together. As I grew older, our conversations evolved into discussions about cosmetic ingredients, skincare, and drug composition—all of which deepened my interest in pharmacology and drug design.
Driven by this passion, I reached out to Dr. Jasmine Luzum, Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, whose research focuses on pharmacogenetics. I had the chance to shadow her and quickly realized the powerful impact this field has on patient safety and treatment effectiveness.
What Is Pharmacogenomics?
Pharmacogenomics helps predict how a patient will respond to a drug based on their genetic profile. A striking example is Abacavir, an HIV medication. About 5% of patients experience a life-threatening allergic reaction to it. Researchers identified a genetic variant that causes this reaction. Now, pharmacogenomic testing is recommended by the FDA before prescribing Abacavir, preventing this dangerous response and improving patient safety.
You can learn more about this recommendation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Interview with Dr. Jasmine Luzum
To gain more insight into the field, I asked Dr. Luzum several questions about her career and the role of pharmacogenomics in healthcare:
Q: What motivated you to pursue pharmacogenomics as your research focus?
Dr. Luzum: “I’m fascinated by why patients respond differently to medications. Genetics offers a relatively new way to understand this variation. It also connects with ancestry and human evolution, which I find really interesting.”
Q: How do you balance your responsibilities between teaching, research, and family?
Dr. Luzum: “As an academic researcher, I have flexibility with my schedule, which allows me to manage all three.”
Q: How will pharmacogenomics shape personalized medicine in the future?
Dr. Luzum: “In the next 10 years, I believe it will become standard practice. It’ll be just another piece of patient data we use—alongside age, kidney function, and drug interactions—to personalize medication regimens.”
Q: What are some barriers the field has faced?
Dr. Luzum: “When I began over a decade ago, there were many challenges—such as a lack of clinical trials to support its use. But now, we have that evidence. Genetic testing has also become faster and more affordable, helping overcome those early barriers.”
To explore the research supporting this field, visit PharmGKB – Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase, a leading resource for gene-drug information.
Conclusion
Pharmacogenomics is transforming the pharmacy profession, making drug therapy safer and more effective through personalized care. As this field continues to grow, pharmacists equipped with knowledge in genetics will play a critical role in optimizing treatment plans for patients worldwide.
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