Genome study in Qatar finds genetic variations' influence on drug response

A recent study of pharmaceutical genetic variants showed that 99.5% of Qataris included in the study have at least a single clinically applicable genetic diversity with potential impact on the safety and efficacy of drugs. The study, published by the College of Health and Life Sciences at Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the Qatar Genome Programme (QGP) Research Consortium, analysed the complete genome sequence data of more than 6,000 Qatari adults to determine the frequency distribution of more than 1,000 genes, which are the genes that affect the way individuals respond to drugs, and also conducted a detailed analysis of 15 genes affecting 46 drugs to understand the clinical impact of genetic diversity. The study, titled "A population study of clinically applicable genetic diversity that affects drug response in the Middle East" and published by the leading scientific journal NPG for Genomic Medicine, sheds light on the diverse distribution of clinically applicable drug genetic variants in the Qatari population compared to other global populations. It is the first comprehensive study of how genetic variations in Middle Eastern populations affect drug response. Leader of the research team, Dr. Puthen Veettil Jithesh, Associate Professor at the College of Health and Life Sciences, said: "Because many of these drugs are widely prescribed in Qatar and in other parts of the world, the results of our study have important implications for the clinical application of pharmacogenomics, which uses genomic data to predict whether or not an individual will respond to a particular drug." Pharmacogenomics refers to the shift from a trial-and-error method of prescribing drugs to more accurate prescribing of drugs based on genetic makeup. Therefore, the results of the study are useful in planning the implementation of healthcare and precision medicine services in Qatar. For his part, Dr. George Nemer, Interim Dean of the College of Health and Life Sciences, said: "Understanding the Qatari genome and the genetic variations associated with drugs can transform the way we treat diseases, which is fundamental to critical healthcare services." He pointed out that this important study, which was conducted in partnership with the Qatar Genome Program Research Consortium, represents a major step forward in identifying individuals at high risk and making informed decisions about their treatment. The study also stresses the importance of developing specialized capabilities and skills to move forward in benefiting from these results, which have become possible through the graduate programs offered by the college in the field of genomics and precision medicine.