UKCPA launches Handbook of Pharmacogenomics to support the use of pharmacogenetic results to optimise medicines

The UK Clinical Pharmacy Association (UKCPA) has launched a new, freely accessible, resource to support healthcare professionals with evidence-based advice and guidance on the use of pharmacogenetic results to optimise medicines.

“UKCPA is immensely proud to have fully funded and supported the UKCPA Genomics Committee to produce this unique and practical resource for the healthcare community. The Handbook is only going to get more necessary as more genetic tests become available on the NHS, and patients are presenting with this information. We would like to extend our immense gratitude to the leads, Dr Hayley Wickens and Lucy Galloway, and to all the contributors and reviewers, and look forward to this resource growing through the support of UKCPA membership.”
Dr Sarah Carter,
UKCPA CEO

Pharmacogenomics is the study of how an individual’s entire genetic makeup influences their response to medication. Genetic variations can influence both how the body processes a drug and how the drug interacts with the body’s systems.

Pharmacogenomics allows us to improve the efficacy and safety of medicines by helping us to prescribe the right medication at the right dose. Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach, it reduces trial-and-error prescribing and helps prevent adverse drug reactions.

The development of the UKCPA Handbook of Pharmacogenomics has been led by Lucy Galloway, 
Consultant Pharmacist Genomic Medicine and Pharmacy Lead at NHS South East Genomic Medicine Service, and Dr Hayley Wickens, Consultant Pharmacist Genomic Medicine and Pharmacy Lead at NHS Central and South Genomic Medicine Service, both of whom are members of the UKCPA Genomics Committee.

“We are delighted to be launching this resource with the support of UKCPA, and want to thank everyone who has been involved with reviewing and checking monographs, it’s been a real team effort.”
Dr Hayley Wickens
Lead, UKCPA Handbook of Pharmacogenomics

 “Pharmacogenomics is becoming a regular part of healthcare, and we are thrilled to have developed this resource to support our colleagues across primary and secondary care.”
Lucy Galloway
Lead, UKCPA Handbook of Pharmacogenomics

All content is reviewed prior to publication by an independent healthcare professional with expertise in pharmacogenetics to ensure the accuracy and practicality of the application of the information. A full list of contributors can be found here.

All the content of the Handbook is under a schedule of regular review. The frequency of review is between one and five years, depending on the medication, in order to allow for more contentious or complex medications to be reviewed more regularly. If new guidelines, position statements, or evidence prompts an earlier review, this is highlighted in a banner at the top of the page.

“The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) welcomes the new UKCPA Handbook of Pharmacogenomics. We believe that this resource offers a practical and evidence-based approach to using pharmacogenetic results to optimise medicines within primary care.”
Royal College of General Practitioners

The Handbook is supported by the Royal College of General Practitioners and has been endorsed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the British Pharmacological Society.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the UKCPA or its members. We encourage readers to follow links and references to primary research papers and guidance.

Competing interest statement:

The author declares: no support from any organisation for the submitted work; no financial relationships with any organisations that might have an interest in the submitted work in the previous three years; no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.