Pharmacogenomics implies investigating individual genetic profile of patients to assess their drug response. Pharmacogenomics, by integrating pharmacology and genomic research, determines how genetic difference can affect action of drugs, dosing regimen, and risk of toxicity. Through this individualized method of personalizing therapy based on the genetic data of a single patient, better outcomes are achieved.
Pharmacogenomic testing methods are used to personalize medication regimens for the patients based on the interpretation of genetic variation to improve the efficacy of drugs and minimize side-effects. Pharmacogenomic methods are especially important in maximizing the efficacy of treatment for complicated diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Pharmacogenomics has extensive ramifications in drug development, clinical care, and treatment choice. Pharmacogenomics can be used to predict the most appropriate dosages and drugs for individuals based on their genetic background, resulting in improved health benefits and reduced healthcare expenses.
Some of the top players in the pharmacogenomics sector are 23andMe, Inc., Myriad Genetics, Inc., and Genomind. These organizations sell genetic testing that may offer insight into drug response.
Some of the primary technologies used for application of pharmacogenomic testing are:
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR is among the most common methods utilized for amplification of DNA segments. PCR, in pharmacogenomics, is applied to identify drug response-related genetic variations by allowing rapid and precise evaluation of specific genes. The method is significant in genotyping as it makes it possible to identify specific gene mutations that influence the drug's metabolism.
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): NGS is a high-throughput technology that enables to sequence multiple genes or even the entire genome simultaneously. It provides exhaustive genetic information and is able to detect a broad range of genetic variants that are associated with drug responses. NGS may be used to identify rare genetic mutations that may affect drug action or metabolism. For example, NGS is used in oncology to know how the cancer patients' genetics can affect their response to chemotherapy.
Microarray-based Testing: An array of probes of DNA is employed on a solid support to detect the levels of expression of numerous genes simultaneously. The technology helps identify drug response to genetic variants and is employed for genomic analysis at a large scale.
Mass Spectrometry: This method is typically utilized to examine the chemical composition of substances. In pharmacogenomics, it is employed for the investigation of the metabolites and drug concentration in the body, facilitating the comprehension of how genetic differences influence the metabolism of drugs.
Pharmacogenomic Testing: Overview
Pharmacogenomic testing refers to evaluation of a person's genetic profile to discover how their genes affect drug response. Pharmacogenomic testing is common in personalized medicine, particularly in drugs with a narrow therapeutic index like chemotherapy drugs, anticoagulants (such as warfarin), and antipsychotics. Pharmacogenomic testing assists clinicians in choosing the appropriate drug and dose for specific patients.
Numerous types of pharmacogenomic tests can be performed to assess patient’s response to medicines, predict adverse reactions to drugs and guide drug development.
Whole genome sequencing is the identification of the entire genetic code of a person, including coding and non-coding sections of the DNA. WGS offers detailed genetic information, hence being appropriate to detect rare genetic differences linked with drug efficacy or toxicity. WGS can be used to predict how a person will react to an enormous range of drugs, particularly for multifactorial diseases like cancer or rare genetic diseases.
Whole exome sequencing targets the exonic parts of the genome, which includes the regions that are accountable for coding proteins. WES targets approximately 1% of the genome but includes the majority of clinically relevant variants. WES is especially beneficial in characterizing mutations in genes that have an impact on drug metabolism, for instance, cytochrome P450 family genes.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) Testing is used for determining a patient’s response to drugs like warfarin, clopidogrel, and certain cancer therapies. SNPs are the most common form of genetic variation, which are variations in a single nucleotide base in the DNA sequence. SNP testing analyzes some SNPs that have been proven to influence drug outcome, generally targeting genes for drug metabolism, transport, or targets.
Gene expression profiling quantifies gene activity and identifies the genes that are off or on in a particular cell or tissue type. The method helps in recognizing genetic factors that affect cellular responses to medications at transcriptional level.
Array-based testing uses microarray chips to test hundreds or thousands of genes or gene variants at once. Microarray chips have hundreds or thousands of DNA probes to detect specific genetic markers of drug responses.
Ongoing Advancements in Genomic Technologies is Fueling the Global Pharmacogenomic Testing Market
Technological advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) have rendered enhanced sensitivity and precision to pharmacogenomic testing. With increased precision of these tests, healthcare providers can make more specific predictions regarding patient reactions to medication, leading to more effective and personalized treatment methods.
Among the most important advances in genetic testing is the reduction of the price of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES). As a result, genetic testing is increasingly becoming available to patients and health systems. Reducing the price of genomic instruments has increased access to pharmacogenomic testing, which has promoted its application in clinical practice.
Technologies such as microarrays and NGS have transformed pharmacogenomic testing due to the ability to test thousands of genetic variants in a single assay. The ability to analyze several genes and variants in a single test has brought down the cost and time required for testing to a considerable extent. High-throughput platforms allow clinicians to screen multiple drugs at a time in a single screening, making it possible for pharmacogenomic profiling to be performed with more comprehensive and effective pharmacogenomic profiling.
The CRISPR-Cas9 technology is re-engineering pharmacogenomic research by facilitating gene editing at high precision. This makes it possible for researchers to model drug metabolism and drug response-affecting genetic variation with more precision, better understanding how specific genetic mutations influence drug efficacy and toxicity.
Further, Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning advances are aiding in the processing of the large amounts of data produced by genomic technologies.
North America to Lead Pharmacogenomic Testing Market
In terms of region, the global pharmacogenomic testing market can be classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa
North America is anticipated to dominate the global pharmacogenomic testing market throughout the forecast period due several compelling factors. North America boasts the presence of one of the most advanced healthcare infrastructure in the world, with well-established medical research institutions, hospitals, and clinics. This expedites the adoption of recent technologies in pharmacogenomic testing.
Additionally, the governments of countries in North America has demonstrated strong support for initiatives related to personalized medicine. Further, reimbursement policies for pharmacogenomic testing facilitate higher adoption of pharmacogenomic testing in the region and lowers financial barriers for patients.
Key Players Operating in Global Pharmacogenomic Testing Market
