The Promise of Precision
Pharmacogenomics, the study of how genetic differences affect drug responses, is reshaping modern medicine. Tailoring treatments to an individual’s genetic makeup it offers more effective, safer therapies. In India, home to vast genetic diversity, pharmacogenomics could revolutionize healthcare. But challenges in access, awareness, and infrastructure remain.
Genetic Diversity: Strength and Challenge
India’s population, spanning over 4,000 ethnic groups, shows wide genetic variability. This affects how individuals respond to drugs. For example, up to 35% of Indians carry a mutation in the CYP2C19 gene, reducing the effectiveness of clopidogrel, a common blood thinner used after stent placement. In 2019, AIIMS researchers found this mutation prevalent among North Indian cardiac patients, prompting discussion around pre-treatment genetic testing.
Similarly, NAT2 gene variations impact the tuberculosis drug isoniazid. A 2021 study from the National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT) found that “slow acetylators” were at significantly higher risk of liver toxicity during TB treatment.
Current Progress in India
India is making gradual strides. The GenomeIndia Project, led by the Department of Biotechnology, is mapping 10,000 Indian genomes to support drug discovery and precision medicine. Startups like MedGenome offer cancer patients testing for genes like BRCA1/2, guiding treatment with targeted therapies like PARP inhibitors. A case at Tata Memorial Hospital highlighted how a woman with triple-negative breast cancer avoided chemotherapy toxicity due to timely BRCA testing.
Hospitals such as Apollo and Max Healthcare now offer pharmacogenomic panels for psychiatric, cardiovascular, and cancer medications.
Barriers to Adoption
Key hurdles include:
- High Costs (₹10,000–₹30,000 per test),
- Limited physician training in genomics,
- Lack of clinical guidelines,
- Concerns over data privacy, as India lacks clear genetic data laws.
- Population Diversity Gaps
Conclusion: A Future Worth Building
With continued investment, policy reform, and education, pharmacogenomics can make Indian healthcare not only more precise but truly personalized. Real-world success stories show it’s no longer a futuristic concept, it’s a future already unfolding
