Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is a rapidly evolving field that tailors medical treatments to individuals based on their genetic makeup. This approach has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by reducing adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and improving medication effectiveness. However, despite its promise, the clinical implementation of PGx has been slow, largely due to operational, regulatory, and public awareness challenges.
A recent UK study published in QJM: An International Journal of Medicine (2025), surveyed public attitudes towards pharmacogenomics, shedding light on key barriers and possible solutions. The findings highlight the need for increased public awareness, better patient education, and policy interventions to accelerate the integration of PGx into routine clinical care.
Problem 1: Low Public Awareness of Pharmacogenomics
One of the most striking findings of the study is that while 89% of respondents understood that individuals respond differently to medications, only 52% were aware that DNA plays a role in predicting a drug’s effectiveness. Similarly, just 48% of respondents knew that genetic factors could determine whether they might experience an ADR.
This knowledge gap indicates that while the public generally accepts the concept of personalized medicine, they lack a clear understanding of how pharmacogenomics works and its potential benefits.
Proposed Solutions
Public Awareness Campaigns: The UK government, NHS, and health organizations should launch targeted awareness campaigns explaining pharmacogenomics in simple terms. These efforts could include educational videos, social media outreach, and partnerships with patient advocacy groups.
Incorporating PGx into School Curricula: Introducing basic genetic literacy in secondary education could improve long-term public understanding.
Training Healthcare Professionals: Many patients trust their doctors to provide medical advice. Ensuring that healthcare professionals are knowledgeable about pharmacogenomics will help them effectively communicate its benefits to patients.
Problem 2: Concerns About Data Privacy and Ethical Considerations
Despite broad support for PGx testing, concerns about data privacy remain a significant barrier. Some respondents expressed unease about their genetic data being accessed by unauthorized entities, including law enforcement agencies and private companies. While only 25% of participants were worried about PGx data use, this issue still requires attention to maintain public trust.
Proposed Solutions
Strict Data Protection Policies: The government should implement clear regulations ensuring that PGx data is treated with the same privacy protections as other sensitive medical records.
Transparent Data-Sharing Policies: Patients should have control over who can access their genetic data. The NHS and other organizations should provide clear opt-in and opt-out mechanisms.
Independent Oversight Committees: Establishing independent bodies to oversee the ethical use of PGx data could help reassure the public that their information is secure.
Problem 3: Limited Accessibility and NHS Integration Challenges
While 85% of respondents believed that the NHS should offer PGx testing to patients taking multiple medications, only 58% thought it should be available to everyone. This discrepancy suggests that while the public sees value in pharmacogenomics, they are not convinced it should be a routine test for all patients.
Additionally, logistical challenges in integrating PGx testing into NHS workflows—such as updating electronic health records, training medical staff, and standardizing testing procedures—have slowed implementation.
Proposed Solutions
Prioritizing High-Risk Patients: A phased approach to implementation could help establish PGx testing in the NHS. Initially, testing could be offered to patients on multiple medications or those with a history of ADRs.
Integration into NHS Electronic Health Records: Ensuring that genetic information is easily accessible to prescribing doctors would streamline decision-making.
Government and NHS Investment: Allocating funds for research and infrastructure development will be crucial to making PGx a routine part of healthcare.
Problem 4: Lack of Standardized Patient Education Materials
One of the most significant gaps identified in the study was the lack of clear, standardized patient education materials about PGx. Over 93% of respondents had never encountered any materials explaining pharmacogenomics, and many expressed a desire for information in accessible formats.
Proposed Solutions
Developing Easy-to-Understand Educational Materials: The NHS should create leaflets, online videos, and interactive tools that explain PGx in layman’s terms.
Healthcare Provider Engagement: Doctors, pharmacists, and nurses should be equipped with PGx-specific training and resources so they can effectively explain the benefits and limitations of testing to patients.
Community Outreach Programs: Hosting workshops and Q&A sessions in GP clinics and hospitals could help patients make informed decisions about PGx testing.
Problem 5: Disparities in Awareness Based on Age, Gender, and Education
The study found that younger individuals, men, and those with higher levels of education were more likely to be aware of pharmacogenomics. Meanwhile, women reported experiencing more ADRs than men, yet they were less likely to be aware of PGx testing options.
Proposed Solutions
Targeted Awareness Campaigns: Outreach efforts should be tailored to demographics with lower awareness levels. For example, campaigns aimed at older adults could emphasize PGx’s role in reducing ADRs in polypharmacy patients.
Expanding Access in Underserved Communities: Pharmacogenomic testing should be made available to diverse populations, including ethnic minorities and those in lower-income brackets, to ensure equitable access.
Problem 6: Unclear Consent and Ethical Considerations
There is currently no standardized approach for obtaining informed consent for PGx testing. Many patients may not fully understand the implications of having their genetic data stored and used in medical decision-making.
Proposed Solutions
Standardized Consent Procedures: Healthcare providers should follow clear guidelines that explain the benefits, risks, and potential future use of PGx data.
Opt-In Rather than Opt-Out Models: Patients should actively choose whether they want to participate in PGx testing rather than being automatically enrolled.
Regular Policy Updates: As PGx evolves, consent policies should be regularly reviewed and updated based on emerging ethical considerations.
The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding pharmacogenomics, not just in the UK but worldwide. As personalized medicine continues to gain traction, countries across the globe must address similar hurdles—ranging from public awareness and ethical concerns to healthcare integration and equitable access.
To unlock the full potential of pharmacogenomics on a global scale, governments, healthcare providers, and researchers must work together to:
✅ Increase public awareness through education and outreach.
✅ Strengthen data protection laws to ensure patient privacy.
✅ Develop infrastructure for integrating PGx into national healthcare systems.
✅ Ensure accessibility for all populations, including underserved communities.
✅ Establish standardized guidelines for informed consent and ethical use of genetic data.
By addressing these challenges collectively, the world can move closer to a future where pharmacogenomics is a standard part of medical care, improving treatment effectiveness and reducing adverse drug reactions for people everywhere.
Reference:
Emma F Magavern, Gabriel Marengo, Participant Panel at Genomics England, Chujan Sivathasan, Marta Mezzanzanica, Alison J Wright, Jessica Keen, Videha Sharma, John H McDermott, Claire Duckett, Dave McCormick, Shelley Simmonds, Emma Walters, The National Centre for Social Research Team, John Weinman, Vivienne Parry, William G Newman, Mark J Caulfield, A United Kingdom nationally representative survey of public attitudes towards pharmacogenomics, QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, 2025;, hcaf035, https://doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/hcaf035
-Written by Sohni Tagore
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