The study of genetic variation has the potential to aid understanding of the mechanisms underlying the observed inter-individual variation in drug response and by which idiosyncratic adverse effects occur. In this review, we outline current progress in pharmacogenetics using examples to highlight both mechanisms of influence of polymorphisms and research strategies for their detection. In the final sections we discuss contemporary challenges for both researchers and clinicians.
© 2011 The Authors. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology © 2011 The British Pharmacological Society.