Pharmacogenomics in Africa: A Potential Catalyst for Precision Medicine in Genetically Diverse Populations

Genetic variation is a major determinant of drug response across populations. Owing to advances in sequencing technologies over the last two decades, several clinically actionable variants or haplotypes have been characterized in genes that encode proteins mediating drug pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics. Therefore, clinical application of pharmacogenomics has gained significant traction as a promising tool for enabling drug therapy optimization to mitigate adverse drug reactions while promoting drug efficacy. However, the implementation of pharmacogenetics testing has been slow in African settings and other resource-limited global regions. Moreover, there is a need to address gaps in various pharmacogenomics knowledgebases, especially regarding the genetic diversity in underrepresented populations. It is also important to ensure that emerging assays and technologies do not heighten existing healthcare disparities affecting African populations. We present the status of pharmacogenomics in Africa, highlighting its potential to impact health outcomes in the safe and efficacious use of medicines.