Pharmacogenomics and Applications to Asthma Management

Pharmacogenetics is the study of gene-by-environment interactions in which the environment is the exposure to a drug and the outcome is the response to therapy. Previous studies have demonstrated variable interindividual therapeutic responses to commonly used asthma medications, including inhaled corticosteroids, β-agonists, and leukotriene modifiers. Most pharmacogenetic studies to date have focused on candidate genes from these therapeutic pathways, and a small number of genome-wide association studies have identified novel genes. Pharmacogenetic discoveries will ultimately contribute to precision medicine profiles to guide the management of asthma.