Next Article in Journal
Rapid and Simplified Determination of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants Using One-Pot Synthesized Magnetic Adsorbents with Built-In pH Regulation Coupled with Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Previous Article in Journal
Valorization of Agro-Industrial Wastes as Organic Amendments to Reduce Herbicide Leaching into Soil
 
 
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Review

Cataloging Actionable Pharmacogenomic Variants for Indian Clinical Practice: A Scoping Review

by
Sacheta Sudhendra Kulkarni
1,†,
Venkatesh R
1,†,
Anuradha Das
1,2,† and
Gayatri Rangarajan Iyer
1,*
1
Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra Campus, Bellary Road, Bengaluru 560065, Karnataka, India
2
Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, Tathawade, Pune 411033, Maharashtra, India
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
These authors contributed equally to this work.
J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(4), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15040101
Submission received: 28 May 2025 / Revised: 24 June 2025 / Accepted: 28 June 2025 / Published: 1 July 2025

Abstract

Background: Pharmacogenomics (PGx), a pivotal branch of personalized medicine, studies how genetic variations influence drug responses. Despite its transformative potential, the adoption of PGx in Indian clinical practice faces challenges, such as the lack of population-specific data, evidence-based guidelines, and complexities in interpreting genomic reports. Comprehensive datasets tailored to Indian patients are essential to facilitate the integration of PGx into clinical settings. Methodology: The study collates pharmacogenomic data from multiple sources, including essential drugs listed by the World Health Organization (WHO), drugs used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), minimum sets of alleles recommended by the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP), and catalogs the allele frequencies from the IndiGenomes database to address gaps in actionable PGx for the Indian population. Curated datasets were used to identify pharmacogenomic variants relevant to clinical practice. Results: Overall, 24 prime genes are essential for the outcomes of 57 drugs. In adults, 18 genes influence the metabolism of 44 drugs whereas, in pediatric populations, genotypes of 18 genes significantly impact the metabolism of 18 drugs. Two over-the-counter drugs with actionable PGx variants were identified: ibuprofen and omeprazole. These findings emphasize the clinical relevance of PGx for commonly used drugs, underscoring the need for population-specific data. Conclusions: As the data of several Indian human genome projects become available, an overarching need exists to establish and regulate the dynamic actionable PGx in Indian clinical practice. This will facilitate the integration of pharmacogenomic data into healthcare, enabling effective and personalized drug therapies.

1. Background

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) studies how genes affect the response of an individual to drugs. This field combines pharmacology (the science of drugs) and genomics (the study of genes and their functions) to develop effective, safe medications that can be prescribed based on the genetic makeup of an individual. Unlike traditional medicine, which adopts a one-size-fits-all approach to drug therapy, PGx aims to personalize treatment regimens on the basis of the genetic profile of an individual.
PGx studies the genomic variations responsible for differences in drug metabolism like pharmacokinetics (what happens to the drug once inside the body), and pharmacodynamics (how the drug affects the body), leading to varied drug responses among individuals [1,2,3]. Every physiological and pathological process requires considerable enzymatic machinery to carry out the designated functions [4]. Drug metabolism is carried out by key proteins associated with absorption, distribution, bioactivation, metabolism and excretion of metabolites [5]. Variation in these enzymes determines their duration of action and toxicity [3,6]. Based on the phenotypic activity, individuals can be classified as poor, intermediate, normal, rapid, and ultra-rapid metabolizers [7,8]. In the last several years, with concerted knowledge from patient outcomes, functional assays, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies, researchers have been able to associate characteristic genotypes/diplotypes with their phenotypes [9]. To illustrate, CYP2C19 is a gene associated with the metabolism of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) [10]. At the genotype level, CYP2C19 *1 is known to be associated with normal metabolism, *3 is associated with reduced enzyme activity, and *17 with rapid enzyme activity. Hence, an individual with the CYP2C19 *1/*1 diplotype will be a normal metabolizer, one with CYP2C19 *1/*3 is an intermediate metabolizer, one with CYP2C19 *3/*3 is a poor metabolizer, one with CYP2C19 *1/*17 is a rapid metabolizer, and one with CYP2C19 *17/*17 is ultra-rapid metabolizer [8]. These individuals must be prescribed PPI based on their diplotype for optimal response [10]. These insights can assist medical professionals in anticipating the drug response of an individual to a specific medication, enabling customized and safer treatment plans [1,6,11].
From the formal origin of pharmacogenomics in the 1950s, to the human genomics project in the early 2000s until today, several studies have listed the evidence of genes involved in drug response impacting clinical outcomes [7,8,12,13]. There are established consortia, regulatory bodies and agencies like the Pharmacogenomics Research Network (PGRN), the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Ubiquitous Pharmacogenomics Consortium (UPGx), and the International Society of Pharmacogenomics (ISPG) that oversee and promote the clinical actionability of pharmacogenomic profiling for safe and effective medication [13].
The clinical utility of PGx has been well-documented in various regions; however, data specific to the Indian population are sparse. India’s genetic diversity, coupled with distinct population substructures, presents a unique challenge in determining how relevant pharmacogenomic variants impact therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, global pharmacogenomic databases are often built on data from populations in Europe and North America, leading to gaps in the applicability of these findings to Indian patients [14]. This underscores the need for population-specific studies that can identify actionable pharmacogenomic variants relevant to Indian healthcare.
Previous studies have highlighted the importance of incorporating pharmacogenomic data into treatment protocols, with examples of genetic polymorphisms significantly affecting drug metabolism and efficacy [10,11,12,13]. There is literature on how pharmacogenomics can be incorporated into hospital records as either reactive or preemptive testing [15], on a population scale [16], and bydisease–drug specific guidelines [10] in different parts of the globe. However, the lack of comprehensive datasets tailored to Indian patients hinders the full integration of PGx into Indian clinical practice. This study seeks to address that gap by cataloging pharmacogenomic variants from key sources, including essential drugs listed by the World Heath Organization (WHO), drugs critical for neonatal care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and the minimum set of alleles recommended by the Association of Molecular Pathology (AMP).
By creating a comprehensive repository of pharmacogenomic variants relevant to the Indian population, this study aims to bridge the gap between pharmacogenomic research and its practical application in clinical settings. This approach could significantly enhance the safety and efficacy of drug prescription in India, advancing personalized medicine and improving patient outcomes.

2. Objectives

2.1. To Catalog the PGx of WHO Essential Medicines

1. What is the total number of drugs and the diseases they address, considered essential by WHO in adult and pediatric groups?
2. How many drugs from 2.1.1 have recognized and actionable pharmacogenomics evidence?
3. What is the frequency of the actionable pharmacogenomic variants in the Indian population?
4. How many of the drugs are available over the counter in India?

2.2. To Catalog the PGx of NICU Medicines

1. What is the total number of drugs used in NICUs, including Indian literature?
2. How many drugs from 2.1.1 have pharmacogenomic evidence under the pediatric focus of PharmGKB?
3. What is the frequency of relevant variants in the Indian population?
4. Are there established adverse drug reactions incidents associated with these drugs?
5. Can these adverse drug reactions be correlated with infant mortality rate?

2.3. To Enlist the Critical Genes That Require Initial Testing for Drug Adverse Effects for Personalized Medicine

1. What are the alleles/variants testing is recommended by the Association of Molecular Pathology for pharmacogenomics?
2. What is the frequency of c.1 alleles in the Indian population?
3. Which are the drugs impacted by 2.3.1 and 2.3.2?
4. Considering the findings (2.1.3, 2.1.4, 2.2.3, 2.2.4, 2.3.2, and 2.3.3), what should be common alleles recommended for the Indian population for preemptive and reactive pharmacogenomic studies?

3. Methods

The study aims to achieve three primary objectives: cataloging the actionable PGx of the WHO’s essential drugs, cataloging PGx of drugs used in NICUs, and collating the allele frequencies of the minimum set of alleles for PGx testing based on AMP guidelines in the Asian and Indian context. Refer to Figure 1 for a brief overview of relevant data from the Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB), CPIC, and IndiGenomes websites, systematically collected and compiled using a Microsoft excel for further analysis.

3.1. Essential Drugs from WHO

3.1.1. Obtaining Drug Data from the WHO Website and WHO List of Essential Drugs for Children

We accessed the WHO website and retrieved the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines—23rd list, 2023. As per WHO, “Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of a population. They are selected with due regard to disease prevalence and public health relevance, evidence of efficacy and safety, and comparative cost-effectiveness. They are intended to always be available in functioning health systems, in appropriate dosage forms, of assured quality and at prices individuals and health systems can afford” [17]. For pediatrics, we followed the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children—9th list, 2023 [18].

3.1.2. Identifying Gene Pairs, Star Alleles, and Reference Single Nucleotide Polymorphism ID Number (rsIDs)

PharmGKB offers curated data, tools, and resources to facilitate the translation of PGx results into clinical practice by leveraging guidelines from the CPIC, the Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group (DPWG), and the recommendations from the FDA, along with other PGx guidelines [19]. We navigated through the PharmGKB website to identify relevant drug–gene associations. This was repeated for drugs in pediatrics with the filter of “pediatric focus”.
DPWG [20] develops pharmacogenetic guidelines to support healthcare professionals in prescribing medications based on the genetic profile of an individual. The CPIC [21] level refers to the categorization of pharmacogenetic information into four levels based on the strength of evidence and clinical actionability. Level A represents strong evidence supporting the gene–drug interaction, indicating a significant impact on drug dosing or selection. Level B has moderate evidence, with some variability in clinical utility or the strength of evidence. Level C shows weak evidence, necessitating cautious interpretation and limited clinical utility. Finally, Level D denotes insufficient evidence, and such gene–drug interactions are typically not recommended for routine clinical use.
These guidelines guide dose adjustments or alternative therapies to improve drug efficacy and safety. The FDA biomarkers are part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s efforts to incorporate biomarker information into drug labeling [22]. This helps in identifying genetic markers that can predict drug response, adverse reactions, or disease susceptibility, thereby aiding personalized medicine.
The drug-associated star alleles and rsIDs for each gene variant were documented.

3.1.3. Checking PharmGKB Score and CPIC Level

The clinical annotations of several points of evidence and guidelines are assigned scores by PharmGKB. Levels 1 and 2 have high and moderate evidence and thus can be utilized for taking informed decisions by clinicians to avoid adverse drug reactions. The CPIC level assigned to each drug–gene interaction indicates the strength of evidence and recommendations provided by CPIC guidelines regarding the clinical utility of PGx information. All level 1 and 2 (1A, 1B, 2A and 2B) gene–drug associations are considered to be medically actionable, thus their global frequencies were retained for further analysis.

3.1.4. Extracting Minor Allele Frequency (MAF) Data from IndiGenomes

The IndiGenomes [23] website was used to access data from the Indian 1000 Genomes Project. IndiGenomes hosts allele frequencies and genetic variations among India’s indigenous populations, providing a unique resource for studying population-specific genetic variations. This focuses on the Indian population to obtain specific minor allele frequencies information relevant to the study.

3.1.5. Data Analysis and Interpretation

The compiled data was analyzed using the Microsoft Excel application to identify trends, patterns, and associations between drug–gene interactions and population-specific genetic variations. The findings in the context of personalized medicine and the potential implications for clinical practice, established drug safety, and efficacy were interpreted. For visualization, an in-house Python (Version 3.12.5) script was developed.

3.2. PGx of NICU Drugs

3.2.1. Obtaining Drug Data from Different NICU Medication Databases

Data about drug prescriptions were collected from the NICU section of the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) [24], IOWA Health Care [25], publications such as “Medication Use in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (2005–2010) in the United States” [26], infants treated in NICUs managed by the Pediatrix Medical Group from (2010–2018) [27], and high-risk neonatal medication examples provided in “Medication Safety in the NICU” by the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) [28].

3.2.2. Identification of Drug Names and Prescriptions

Drug names and prescriptions mentioned on the NICU website, and articles were identified and documented. This included both generic and brand names of drugs administered to neonatal patients within the NICU databases and the publications.

3.2.3. Assessment of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)

A comprehensive search was conducted to identify studies, clinical trials, and pharmacovigilance databases reporting ADRs associated with the drugs mentioned on the LHSC NICU, IOWA Health Care list and Medication Use in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (2005–2018), and high-risk neonatal medication examples provided in “Medication Safety in the NICU” by the NANN.
Data on the type, frequency, severity, and management of ADRs specific to drugs used in the NICU were extracted and recorded.
The subsequent steps are the same as steps 3.1.2 to 3.1.5 of the previous objectives.

3.3. Minimum Set of Alleles for PGx Testing Based on AMP Guidelines

The AMP [29] guidelines provide recommendations and standards for molecular diagnostic testing, including pharmacogenetic testing. These guidelines offer guidance on various aspects of testing, such as assay validation, result interpretation, and reporting. They aim to ensure high-quality and accurate molecular testing practices, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and clinical outcomes. The AMP minimum set of alleles is practiced in clinical environments where genetic testing is used to inform drug prescribing and management, with guidelines and support from resources like PharmGKB.
The Minimum Set of Pharmacogenetic Alleles is a curated list of genetic variants that have significant clinical relevance in PGx. These alleles are crucial for guiding drug therapy decisions based on the genetic makeup of an individual, enabling healthcare providers to tailor drug choices and dosages to optimize efficacy and minimize adverse effects. We also analyzed the list to assess the feasibility of preemptive testing for the minimum set of genes to be tested for over-the-counter and common medicines.

3.3.1. Compile the Gene List Recommended by AMP and Enlist the Drugs Affected by Allele Polymorphisms to Have a Varied Response

The list of gene–allele information prescribed to be tested by AMP was recorded. A list of drugs related to the identified gene variants was compiled. Drugs werecategorized based on allele function, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and application in clinical practice.

3.3.2. Assessment of Allele Frequency

Allele frequency tables from databases such as PharmGKB were recorded to determine the frequency of alleles in different populations.
The subsequent steps are the same as steps 3.1.4 to 3.1.5 of the objectives.

4. Results

4.1. Essential Drugs from WHO

Overall, 726 drugs for adults and 370 drugs for children are listed by the WHO as essential. Their PharmGKB data and the results of adult and pediatric actionable drug–gene pair along with global frequencies are compiled in Supplementary Table S1.

4.1.1. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines—23rd List, 2023

Data was curated from approximately 726 drugs listed in the WHO database, identifying a subset of 366 drugs with PharmGKB data. These drugs were then categorized based on their CPIC level of evidence.
The study categorizes drugs into three evidence levels using CPIC guidelines: Level 1 (53 drugs) with solid evidence, Level 2 (12 drugs) with moderate support as given in Figure 2A,B (Interactive graph given as Supplementary Graph S1 and Graph S2), and Level 3 (161 drugs) with insufficient or lower-quality studies.
Level 1 and 2 drugs were further categorized based on the diseases they address, providing a detailed understanding of their therapeutic indications and medical relevance. The disease-focused classification of Level 1 and Level 2 evidence drugs with Indian data (Table 1) revealed their targeted therapeutic applications across a range of medical conditions. About 44 drugs with Level 1 and Level 2 evidence, supported by Indian data, are curated in Table 1.

4.1.2. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children—9th List (2023)

The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children comprises a similar set of drugs to those found in the WHO List of Essential Medicines. This list includes 370 total drugs of which 95 of them had PharmGKB information on pharmacogenomic variants.
These drugs were then categorized based on their level of evidence: Level of Evidence 1 consists of 16 drugs; Level of Evidence 2 comprises 10 drugs as mentioned in Figure 2B (Interactive graph given as Supplementary Graph S2), and Level of Evidence 3 consists of 69 drugs.
The disease-focused classification of Level 1 and Level 2 evidence drugs with Indian data (Table 1) revealed their targeted therapeutic applications across a range of medical conditions.

4.2. PGx of NICU Drugs

The study compiled data on drugs commonly used in NICUs and assessed their adverse effects, associated genes, rsIDs, level of evidence sourced from the PharmGKB database, and Indian frequency from the IndiGenomes website, totaling approximately 181 unique drugs from five sources as previously mentioned.
Figure 3 displays the bubble plot of adverse drug effects of Level 1 and Level 2 NICU drugs along with the genes associated with them. Table 2 provides the drug list, and associated adverse drug reactions along with Level 1 and Level 2 pharmacogenomic evidence in NICU drugs. The identified adverse effects of NICU drugs are illustrated in Supplementary interactive Graph S3 and Supplementary Table S2.

4.3. Minimum Set of Alleles for PGx Testing Based on AMP Guidelines

The AMP PGx Working Group’s guidelines categorize PGx alleles into Tier 1 (mandatory) and Tier 2 (optional) based on rigorous criteria. The AMP PGx Working Group’s guidelines have curated a total of nine genes into Tier 1 (mandatory) and Tier 2 (optional) categories for PGx testing. Their global and Indian frequencies along with the number of drugs they impact are listed in Table 3. The 24 prime genes that we propose for pre-emptive testing to assist clinicians in delivering personalized medicine are listed in Table 4.

5. Discussion

Pharmacogenomics is a translational specialty that strives to improve drug response, maximizing benefits while minimizing side effects for optimal healthcare outcomes. By examining essential drugs listed by the WHO, exploring PGx of NICU drugs, and evaluating the minimum set of alleles for PGx testing based on AMP guidelines, this scoping review contributes to a dynamic compilation of actionable PGx for common drugs to improve healthcare outcomes.
From the WHO Essential Medicine (N = 726) Level of Evidence 1 status was given to 53 drugs, and Level of Evidence 2 was given to 12 drugs. About 359 drugs did not have PharmGKB information and 161 drugs had Level 3. This disparity underscores the need for more research globally to make informed clinical decisions. Approximately 24 drugs with Level 1 and Level 2 evidence had missing MAF data in the IndiGenomes, demonstrating the direction of further active pharmacogenomics studies to be conducted in India.
From the essential medicines list for children (N = 370), about 26 drugs, Level 1 (16 drugs), and Level 2 (10 drugs) denoted higher confidence in efficacy and safety and thus can be applied for guiding pediatric care. Approximately nine drugs with Level 1 and Level 2 evidence had missing MAF data from IndiGenomes. Continuous updates and research are necessary to refine the evidence base, especially for drugs with no evidence or Level 3 evidence, ensuring comprehensive pediatric treatment options.
About 57 drugs with actionable pharmacogenomics relevant to India address various conditions, including mental health (amitriptyline, carbamazepine, phenytoin), autoimmune diseases (azathioprine), and cancer (fluorouracil, mercaptopurine, nilotinib, methotrexate, rituximab, irinotecan). The dataset also covers medications for anesthetics, liver diseases, and autoimmune disorders, aiding clinical decision-making and public health policies. This indicates the need for medical education, formulation of guidelines, and policies for PGx-supported prescribing rationale for better healthcare outcomes.
The neonatal period, encompassing the initial 28 days post-birth, represents the most critical phase for infant survival, during which the propensity for mortality is pronounced. In the year 2022, with an average of 17 per 1000 live births, approximately 2.3 million neonates died worldwide, equating to about 6300 neonatal deaths daily [30]. Within the Indian context, current neonatal mortality rate is 22 deaths per 1000 live births, higher than the global mortality rate of 17. An estimated 26 million births occur annually, with children aged 0–6 years comprising 13% of the nation’s total population, according to the 2011 Census. India’s higher neonatal mortality rate, as reported by UNICEF, can be attributed to premature births, infections, and shortcomings in healthcare services, in addition to birth asphyxia, trauma, and congenital anomalies that contribute to nearly 40% of all deaths in children under the age of five [31]. While several governmental initiatives are working towards early identification of syndromic association in the prenatal and perinatal period, introducing essential pharmacogenomics in newborn screening promises the potential to improve neonatal health outcomes in the country. The lack of information for PGx evidence for several drugs underlines the need for continued research to strengthen the evidence base for neonatal drugs and careful consideration of adverse effects in neonatal drug therapy.
The AMP PGx Working Group’s classification of PGx alleles into Tier 1 (mandatory) and Tier 2 (optional) categories is a pivotal step in standardizing PGx testing across clinical laboratories. Overall, nine genes (CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, TPMT, NUTD15, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, VKORC1 and CYP4F2) are suggested to be offered for every individual which plays a crucial role in the metabolism of 56 drugs. In India, with our genetic heterogeneity, this approach can be adapted. Variants in genes like CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 are prevalent in the Indian population and affect the metabolism of several drugs, which underscores the need for tailored PGx testing and the development of ethnic-specific panels, which could improve the efficacy of treatment regimens for chronic diseases. Adopting AMP’s evidence-based standards of testing a minimum of nine genes at the first level followed by an elaborate panel of 24 genes for essential drugs in India can enhance the quality and safety of medical interventions, offering personalized care suited to the genetic makeup of Indian patients.
From the WHO list of essential medicines, Ibuprofen and Omeprazole (Level 1 and 2 evidence, respectively) are sold in India over the counter. These drugs depend on the metabolism of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 genes.
The pharmacogenomics landscape of the Indian population from the IndiGenomes data was published in 2022 [32]. It enlists several novel and deleterious variants associated with pharmacogenomics and estimated that every Indian harbors about eight variants that are medically actionable. Subsequently, the same group published the CYP2D6 variant spectrum and pharmacogenomics of non-insulin antidiabetic drugs [33,34].
IndiGenomes project is limited by data availability, underrepresentation of diverse populations, and the complexity of integrating this data into existing frameworks.
We anticipate the release of extensive genetic information from projects like the 10,000 Genomes Project [35], which will expand our current understanding of genetic variation. This influx of data is expected to include revised frequencies that will enhance our ability to conduct more detailed studies of pharmacogenomic attributes. The novelty of this research lies in a comprehensive cross-sectional study that amalgamates three objectives: indigenous data facilitated by the WHO, drugs listed in the NICU medication list, and the AMP allele set. By comparing these with the available status of pharmacogenomic information, this scoping review aims to reinforce and redefine our understanding of pharmacogenomic interactions in diverse populations.
We have cataloged the list of genes responsible for the metabolism of essential drugs, drugs used in neonatal care, and some of the over-the-counter drugs available in India. We acknowledge the limitations of the study wherein we have cataloged the pharmacogenomics of essential drugs and collated information from Indian and international databases to propose the ideal pharmacogenomic assay for the Indian population; however, the actual markers required in clinical set up could be elaborate as well as may require further exploration. Clinical validation of the proposed assay along with healthcare outcomes is recommended to further iterate its utility. There are several drugs that have pharmacogenomic information characterized in other populations but not in India. With the PGx status of essential medications cataloged and with the available variant landscape of the Indian population from recent studies, we hope the clinical research involving pharmacogenomics will focus on comprehensive genotyping and functional/phenotypic correlation to develop an effective population-specific pharmacogenomics panel and practicing guidelines for India.
Based on these future developments, healthcare providers should embrace a minimum allele testing approach that reflects both global pharmacogenomic standards and localized genetic nuances. This proposed panel of 24 genes should be routinely tested to ensure that personalized medicine can be effectively implemented in the Indian clinical setting, with the potential to expand and adapt as new data becomes available. The alleles enlisted should be actively investigated in the clinical settings, included in translational clinical research, and should be made available for all individuals who undergo exome/genome analyses for other primary health ailments. Other variants identified in the 24 genes should also be reported and submitted in the public domain so that future functional assays, pharmacokinetics—pharmacodynamics studies and genotype–phenotype correlation investigations are informed. This forward-thinking strategy will augment the quality of patient care and serve as a model for pharmacogenomic applications in diverse populations worldwide.

6. Conclusions

We have cataloged the actionable pharmacogenomics of essential medicines and drugs used in neonatal intensive management along with their available Indian frequencies. Based on the current available clinically actionable guidelines, we propose pre-emptive testing of a 24 gene panel to assist clinicians in delivering personalized medicine. Based on the variant/allele spectrum in these 24 genes, future translational studies can be informed, paving the way for developing personalized medicine in the Indian healthcare setup.

Supplementary Materials

The following supporting information can be downloaded at: https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/jox15040101/s1. Supplementary Table S1: Essential Drugs from WHO: PharmGKB data and the results of adult and pediatric actionable drug–gene pair along with global frequencies; Supplementary Table S2: NICU drug list and associated adverse drug reactions along with Level 1 and Level 2 pharmacogenomic evidence; Supplementary interactive Graph S1: HTML file for drugs with CPIC Level 1 and 2 evidence for adults with associated genes and medical conditions; Supplementary interactive Graph S2: HTML file for drugs with CPIC Level 1 and 2 evidence for adults with associated genes and medical conditions; Supplementary interactive Graph S3: HTML file for identified adverse effects of NICU drugs.

Author Contributions

A.D. was responsible for conducting the literature search, screening potentially eligible studies, extracting and analyzing data, interpreting results, updating reference lists and preparing the first draft of the manuscript. S.S.K. contributed to proofreading and data analysis and V.R. assisted with data analysis and was responsible for the creation and preparation of the figures. G.R.I. conceptualized and supervised the study and improved the scientific quotient of the manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research did not receive any external fundings. The APC was funded by the institutional core funding to Tata Institute for Genetics and Society by Tata Trusts.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are available in the PharmGKB (https://www.pharmgkb.org/, accessed on 10 March 2024) and IndiGenomes (https://clingen.igib.res.in/indigen/index.php, accessed on 10 March 2024) websites.

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge Tata Institute for Genetics and Society and Tata Trusts for providing the infrastructure and support necessary to conduct this study.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests.

Abbreviations

PGxPharmacogenomics
PharmGKBPharmacogenomics Knowledge Base
PGRNPharmacogenomics Research Network
UPGxUbiquitous Pharmacogenomics Consortium
ISPGInternational Society of Pharmacogenomics
FDAFood and Drug Administration
CPICClinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium
DPWGDutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group
MAFMinor allele frequency
WHOWorld Health Organization
NICUNeonatal Intensive Care Unit
LHSCLondon Health Sciences Centre
AMPAssociation for Molecular Pathology
SNPSingle Nucleotide Polymorphism
rsIDReference SNP identifiers
PPIProton Pump Inhibitors
ADRsAdverse drug reactions
ASTAspartate Transaminase
ALTAlanine Transaminase
HIVHuman immunodeficiency viruses
UNICEFUnited Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund

References

  1. Rollinson, V.; Turner, R.; Pirmohamed, M. Pharmacogenomics for Primary Care: An Overview. Genes 2020, 11, 1337. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  2. Martinez-Matilla, M.; Blanco-Verea, A.; Santori, M.; Ansede-Bermejo, J.; Ramos-Luis, E.; Gil, R.; Bermejo, A.; Lotufo-Neto, F.; Hirata, M.; Brisighelli, F.; et al. Genetic susceptibility in pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic pathways underlying drug-induced arrhythmia and sudden unexplained deaths. Forensic Sci. Int. Genet. 2019, 42, 203–212. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  3. Micaglio, E.; Locati, E.T.; Monasky, M.M.; Romani, F.; Heilbron, F.; Pappone, C. Role of Pharmacogenetics in Adverse Drug Reactions: An Update towards Personalized Medicine. Front. Pharmacol. 2021, 12, 651720. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  4. Lewis, T.; Stone, W.L. Biochemistry, Proteins Enzymes. In StatPearls [Internet]; StatPearls Publishing: Treasure Island, FL, USA, 2024. [Google Scholar]
  5. Susa, S.T.; Hussain, A.; Preuss, C.V. Drug Metabolism. In StatPearls [Internet]; StatPearls Publishing: Treasure Island, FL, USA, 2024. [Google Scholar]
  6. Daly, A.K. Pharmacogenetics: A general review on progress to date. Br. Med. Bull. 2017, 124, 65–79. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  7. Kane, M. CYP2D6 Overview: Allele and Phenotype Frequencies. In Medical Genetics Summaries [Internet]; Pratt, V.M., Scott, S.A., Pirmohamed, M., Eds.; National Center for Biotechnology Information: Bethesda, MD, USA, 2021. [Google Scholar]
  8. Dean, L.; Kane, M. Clopidogrel Therapy and CYP2C19 Genotype. In Medical Genetics Summaries [Internet]; Pratt, V.M., Scott, S.A., Pirmohamed, M., Eds.; National Center for Biotechnology Information: Bethesda, MD, USA, 2012. [Google Scholar]
  9. Hahn, M.; Roll, S.C. The Influence of Pharmacogenetics on the Clinical Relevance of Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions: Drug-Gene, Drug-Gene-Gene and Drug-Drug-Gene Interactions. Pharmaceuticals 2021, 14, 487. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  10. Lima, J.J.; Thomas, C.D.; Barbarino, J.; Desta, Z.; Van Driest, S.L.; El Rouby, N.; Johnson, J.A.; Cavallari, L.H.; Shakhnovich, V.; Thacker, D.L.; et al. Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) Guideline for CYP2C19 and Proton Pump Inhibitor Dosing. Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 2021, 109, 1417–1423. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  11. Barbarino, J.M.; Whirl-Carrillo, M.; Altman, R.B.; Klein, T.E. PharmGKB: A worldwide resource for pharmacogenomic information. Wiley Interdiscip. Rev. Syst. Biol. Med. 2018, 10, e1417. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [PubMed Central]
  12. Bousman, C.A.; Maruf, A.A.; Marques, D.F.; Brown, L.C.; Müller, D.J. The emergence, implementation, and future growth of pharmacogenomics in psychiatry: A narrative review. Psychol. Med. 2023, 53, 7983–7993. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  13. Roden, D.M.; McLeod, H.L.; Relling, M.V.; Williams, M.S.; A Mensah, G.; Peterson, J.F.; Van Driest, S.L. Pharmacogenomics. Lancet 2019, 394, 521–532. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  14. Banerjee, M. Is pharmacogenomics a reality? Challenges and oppurtunities for India. Indian. J. Hum. Genet. 2011, 17, 1. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  15. Kabbani, D.; Akika, R.; Wahid, A.; Daly, A.K.; Cascorbi, I.; Zgheib, N.K. Pharmacogenomics in practice: A review and implementation guide. Front. Pharmacol. 2023, 14, 1189976. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  16. Skokou, M.; Karamperis, K.; Koufaki, M.-I.; Tsermpini, E.-E.; Pandi, M.-T.; Siamoglou, S.; Ferentinos, P.; Bartsakoulia, M.; Katsila, T.; Mitropoulou, C.; et al. Clinical implementation of preemptive pharmacogenomics in psychiatry. EBioMedicine 2024, 101, 105009. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  17. eEML—Electronic Essential Medicines List. list.essentialmeds.org. Available online: https://list.essentialmeds.org/ (accessed on 18 January 2024).
  18. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children—9th list, 2023 [Internet]. www.who.int. Available online: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-MHP-HPS-EML-2023.03 (accessed on 16 March 2024).
  19. Thorn, C.F.; Klein, T.E.; Altman, R.B. PharmGKB: The pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics knowledge base. Methods Mol Biol. 2005, 311, 179–191. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  20. PharmGKB. DPWG: Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group. Available online: https://www.pharmgkb.org/page/dpwg (accessed on 19 January 2024).
  21. Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC). Cpicpgx.org. 2009. Available online: https://cpicpgx.org/ (accessed on 19 January 2024).
  22. Table of Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers in Drug Labeling. Available online: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/science-and-research-drugs/table-pharmacogenomic-biomarkers-drug-labeling (accessed on 21 January 2024).
  23. Jain, A.; Bhoyar, R.C.; Pandhare, K.; Mishra, A.; Sharma, D.; Imran, M.; Senthivel, V.; Divakar, M.K.; Rophina, M.; Jolly, B.; et al. IndiGenomes: A comprehensive resource of genetic variants from over 1000 Indian genomes. Nucleic Acids Res. 2021, 49, D1225–D1232. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [PubMed Central]
  24. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Medication Manual|LHSC. www.lhsc.on.ca. Available online: https://www.lhsc.on.ca/nicu/neonatal-intensive-care-unit-nicu-medication-manual (accessed on 7 January 2024).
  25. Pharmacology: NICU Handbook. University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Available online: https://uihc.org/childrens/educational-resources/pharmacology-nicu-handbook (accessed on 10 March 2024).
  26. Hsieh, E.; Hornik, C.; Clark, R.; Laughon, M.; Benjamin, D.; Smith, P. Medication Use in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Am. J. Perinatol. 2013, 31, 811–822. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  27. Stark, A.; Smith, P.B.; Hornik, C.P.; Zimmerman, K.O.; Hornik, C.D.; Pradeep, S.; Clark, R.H.; Benjamin, D.K.; Laughon, M.; Greenberg, R.G. Medication Use in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Changes from 2010 to 2018. J. Pediatr. 2021, 240, 66–71.e4. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  28. Medication Safety in the NICU. Available online: https://nann.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FINAL-2021_Medication-Safety-in-the-NICU-9ea.pdf (accessed on 7 January 2024).
  29. PharmGKB. AMP’s Minimum Sets of Alleles for PGx Testing. Available online: https://www.pharmgkb.org/ampAllelesToTest (accessed on 12 March 2024).
  30. UNICEF. Neonatal Mortality. UNICEF DATA. 2024. Available online: https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-survival/neonatal-mortality/#:~:text=The%20first%2028%20days%20of,1%2C000%20live%20births%20in%201990 (accessed on 5 May 2025).
  31. Newborn Mortality. www.who.int. 2024. Available online: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/newborn-mortality#:~:text=Among%20neonates%2C%20the%20leading%20causes,under%205%20years%20of%20age (accessed on 5 May 2025).
  32. Sahana, S.; Bhoyar, R.C.; Sivadas, A.; Jain, A.; Imran, M.; Rophina, M.; Senthivel, V.; Diwakar, M.K.; Sharma, D.; Mishra, A.; et al. Pharmacogenomic landscape of Indian population using whole genomes. Clin. Transl. Sci. 2022, 15, 866–877. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  33. Sivadas, A.; Rathore, S.; Sahana, S.; Jolly, B.; Bhoyar, R.C.; Jain, A.; Sharma, D.; Imran, M.; Senthilvel, V.; Divakar, M.K.; et al. The genomic landscape of CYP2D6 variation in the Indian population. Pharmacogenomics 2024, 25, 147–160. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  34. Sivadas, A.; Sahana, S.; Jolly, B.; Bhoyar, R.C.; Jain, A.; Sharma, D.; Imran, M.; Senthivel, V.; Divakar, M.K.; Mishra, A.; et al. Landscape of pharmacogenetic variants associated with non-insulin antidiabetic drugs in the Indian population. BMJ Open Diab Res. Care 2024, 12, e003769. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  35. Genome India. genomeindia.in. Available online: https://genomeindia.in/ (accessed on 15 July 2024).
Figure 1. Study workflow. Three objectives were compiled for cataloging actionable pharmacogenomics. (A) World Health Organiszation list of essential drugs for adult and pediatrics were compiled, and their drug–gene information from Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB) were collated. Based on Clinical pharmacogenetics implementation consortium (CPIC) level 1 and 2, further drugs were shortlisted and frequencies from the IndiGenomes database were collated. (B) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) medication list was compiled from five sources; their adverse drug reaction was recorded followed by PharmGKB analysis. (C) The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) recommended minimum set of alleles were recorded along with their allele frequency and IndiGenomes data.
Figure 1. Study workflow. Three objectives were compiled for cataloging actionable pharmacogenomics. (A) World Health Organiszation list of essential drugs for adult and pediatrics were compiled, and their drug–gene information from Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB) were collated. Based on Clinical pharmacogenetics implementation consortium (CPIC) level 1 and 2, further drugs were shortlisted and frequencies from the IndiGenomes database were collated. (B) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) medication list was compiled from five sources; their adverse drug reaction was recorded followed by PharmGKB analysis. (C) The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) recommended minimum set of alleles were recorded along with their allele frequency and IndiGenomes data.
Jox 15 00101 g001
Figure 2. (A) Drugs with CPIC Level 1 and 2 evidence for adults with associated genes and medical conditions. (B): Drugs with CPIC Level 1 and 2 evidence for children with associated genes and medical conditions. The interactive HTML files are in Supplementary Graphs S1 and S2.
Figure 2. (A) Drugs with CPIC Level 1 and 2 evidence for adults with associated genes and medical conditions. (B): Drugs with CPIC Level 1 and 2 evidence for children with associated genes and medical conditions. The interactive HTML files are in Supplementary Graphs S1 and S2.
Jox 15 00101 g002
Figure 3. Bubble plot of adverse drug effects of Level 1 and Level 2 NICU drugs along with the genes associated with them.
Figure 3. Bubble plot of adverse drug effects of Level 1 and Level 2 NICU drugs along with the genes associated with them.
Jox 15 00101 g003
Table 1. WHO list of essential medicines along with PharmGKB associated genes with CPIC 1 and 2 level evidence polymorphisms and IndiGen frequency.
Table 1. WHO list of essential medicines along with PharmGKB associated genes with CPIC 1 and 2 level evidence polymorphisms and IndiGen frequency.
ADULTS
CONDITIONDRUGGENESTAR ALLEL/rsID
HIVAtazanavirUGT1A1*1, *6, *80
EfavirenzCYP2B6*4, *6, *7, *8, *9, *12, *13*18, *19, *20, *26, *34, *36, *37, *38, *39, *40, *41, *42, *43,
AbacavirHLA-B*57:01
HypertensionMetoprololCYP2D6*4, *10,*31,*6,,*9,*29,*3, 5, *161, *156, *144, *143, *129, *124, *120, *114, *101, *100, *99, *96, *92, *81, *69, *62, *60, *56, *51, *47, *44, *42, *38, *36, *21, *20, *19, *18, *15, *12
MalignancyCapecitabine FluorouracilDPYDrs75017182, rs3918290
IrinotecanUGT1A1*6, *80
MercaptopurineNUDT15*1, *2, *3,
TPMT*1, *3A, *3B, *3C, *41
TamoxifenCYP2D6*1, *2, *4, *6, *10, *17, *29, *41, *3, *5, *7, *8, *9, *11, *21, *36, *12, *13, *14, *15, *19, *20, *27, *31, *32, *40, *42, *44, *47, *49, *51, *54, *55, *56
Cardiovascular diseaseClopidogrelCYP2C19*2, *3, *4, *5, *6, *8, *10, *19, *25, *26, *7, *9, *16, *22, *24, *35, *36, *37
Lovastatin
Atorvastatin
Simvastatin
Pravastatin
SLCO1B1*1, *5, *15, *31, *46, *47
FluvastatinSLCO1B1*1, *5, *15, *31, *46, *47
CYP2C9*1, *2, *3, *8, *11, *14, *26, *35, *44, *45, *61
WarfarinCYP2C9*1, *2, *3
VKORC1rs9923231
HepatitisRibavirinIFNL4rs12979860
Psychotropic medicationsAmitriptylineCYP2C19*1, *2, *3, *17, *4, *5, *6, *7, *8, *22, *24, *35
CYP2D6*1,*2,*4,*9,*10,*17, *161, *156, *144, *143, *132, *129, *124, *119, *114, *109, *101, *100, *99, *91, *81, *69, *62, *60, *59, *56, *55, *54, *52, *51, *50, *49, *47, *45, *44, *42, *41, *40,*36, *35, *31, *29, *21, *19, *18, *15, *14, *13, *12, *11, *8, *7, *6, *5, *3, *27, *32
ClomipramineCYP2C19*1, *2, *3, *17, *4, *5, *6, *7, *8, *22, *24, *35
CYP2D6*1,*2,*4,*9,*10,*17, *161, *156, *144, *143, *132, *129, *124, *119, *114, *109, *101, *100, *99, *91, *81, *69, *62, *60, *59, *56, *55, *54, *52, *51, *50, *49, *47, *45, *44, *42, *41, *40,*36, *35, *31, *29, *21, *19, *18, *15, *14, *13, *12, *11, *8, *7, *6, *5, *3, *27, *32
SertralineCYP2B6*6, *9, *7, *8, *12, *13, *18, *19, *20, *43, *42, *41, *40, *39, *38, *37, *36, *34, *28, *26
CYP2C19*2, *3, *35, *26, *25, *24, *22, *19, *16, *10, *9, *8, *7, *6, *5, *4, *17
AripiprazoleCYP2D6*4, *6, *114, *42, *40, *38, *36, *31, *21, *20, *19, *18, *13, *12, *11, *8, *7,
*5, *3, *15
Haloperidol*114, *42, *40, *38, *36, *35, *31, *21, *20, *19, *18, *15, *13, *12, *11, *8, *7, *6, *4, *5, *3, *2, *1
Zuclopenthixol decanoate*114, *42, *41, *40, *38, *36, *35, *31, *29, *21, *20, *19, *18, *17, *15, *14, *13, *12, *11, *10, *9, *8, *7, *6, *5, *4, *3, *2, *1
Fluvoxamine*161, *156, *144, *143, *129, *124, *114, *101, *100, *99, *96, *81, *69, *62, *60, *56, *51, *47, *44, *42, *40, *38, *36, *31, *21, *20, *19, *18, *15, *13, *12, *11, *8, *7, *6, *5, *4, *3
Paroxetine*161, *156, *144, *143, *132, *129, *124, *119, *114, *109, *101, *100, *99, *96, *91, *81, *69, *62, *60, *59, *55, *54, *52, *51, *50, *49, *47, *45, *44, *42, *41, *40, *38, *36, *35, *32, *31, *29, *27, *21, *20, *19, *18, *17, *15, *14, *13, *12, *11, *10, *9, *8, *7, *6, *5, *4, *3, *2, *1
Risperidone*114, *42, *40, *38, *36, *35, *31, *21, *20, *19, *18, *15, *13, *12, *11, *8, *7, *6, *5, *4, *3, *2, *1
BupropionCYP2D6*2, *3, *4, *5, *6, *9, *10, *17, *29, *40, *41 (FDA recommendation for poor metabolizers)
CarbamazepineHLA-A*31:01
HLA-B*15:02
Citalopram, EscitalopramCYP2C19*2, *3, *4, *17, *35, *26, *25, *24, *22, *19, *16, *10, *9, *8, *7, *6, *5, *18
PhenytoinCYP2C9*2, *3, *8, *11, *14, *26, *35, *44, *45, *61
HLA-B*15:02
LamotrigineHLA-B*15:02
QuetiapineCYP3A4*13, *22
Immunosuppressive medicationsAzathioprineTPMT*1, *3A, *3B, *3C, *8, *41,
NUDT15*1, *2, *3,
AnalgesicsCodeine, TramadolCYP2D6*1,*2, *3,*4,*5,*6,*7,*8,*9,*10,*161, *156, *144, *143, *132, *129, *124, *114, *109, *101, *100, *99, *96, *91, *56, *81, *69, *62, *59, *55, *54, *52, *51, *49, *47, *45,*44, *42, *41, *40, *38, *36, *35, *32, *31, *29, *27, *21, *20, *19, *18, *17, *15, *14, *13, *12, *11
TuberculosisIsoniazidNAT2*5, *6, *7, *14, *16
Drug hypersensitivityAllopurinolHLA-B*58:01
ABCG2rs2231142
DapsoneG6PDFDA recommendation
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)Omeprazole otcCYP2C19*1, *2, *3, *17, *9, *38, *35, *28, *26, *25, *24, *22, *19, *18, *16, *15, *13, *11, *10, *8, *7, *6, *5, *4
AntiemeticsTropisetron, OndansetronCYP2D6*1, *2, *13, *27, *35, *45
ImmunodeficiencyTacrolimusCYP3A5*1, *3
Fungal or yeast infectionsVoriconazoleCYP2C19*2, *3, *4, *17, *35, *24, *22, *8, *7, *6, *5
PEDIATRIC
Psychotropic medicationsPhenytoinCYP2C9CYP2C9 *1, *2, *3, *8, *9, *11, *14, *26, *35, *44, *45
Immunosuppressive medicationsAzathioprineNUDT15 *1, *2, *5, *3
TPMT*1, *3A, *3B, *3C, *22, *34, *41
MalignancyFluorouracilDPYDrs2297595, rs56038477, rs1801158, rs1801160, rs75017182
MercaptopurineNUDT15*1, *2, *3 *5
TPMT*1, *3A, *3B, *3C, *8, *16
MethotrexateMTHFRrs1801133
IrinotecanUGT1A1*1, *6, *80+*28, *80+*37
rs4124874
Inflammatory diseasesIbuprofen otcCYP2C9*1, *2, *3 *8, *9, *11, *14, *26, *35, *37, *39, *42, *43, *44, *45, *46, *52, *55, *61
Toxic liver diseaseIsoniazidNAT2*5, *6, *7, *14, *16
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)Omeprazole otcCYP2C19*1, *2, *3, *9, *10, *17, *4, *5, *6, *7, *8, *10, *11, *13, *15, *16, *18, *19, *22, *25, *26, *28, *35, *38 *24
AntiemeticsOndansetronCYP2D6*1, *2, *4, *10, *35 *14, *17, *27, *29, *33, *34, *39, *45
Hepatitis virusRibavirinIFNL3, IFNL4rs12979860, rs8099917
General anaestheticsSevofluraneRYR1rs193922809
Halothane, IsofluraneRYR1rs118192161, rs118192162, rs193922772, rs112563513, rs193922816, rs28933397, rs118192122, rs193922747, rs118192176, rs118192177, rs118192175, rs121918592, rs121918593, rs118192172 rs121918594
CACNA1Srs1800559, rs772226819
Immunosuppressive agentsTacrolimusCYP3A4,*1, *22
CYP3A5*1, *3, *6, *7
Fungal infectionsVoriconazoleCYP2C19*1, *2, *3, *17, *4, *5, *6, *7, *8, *9, *10, *16, *17, *19, *22, *24, *25, *26, *35
Cardiovascular medicationsWarfarinCYP2C9*1, *2, *3, *8, *11
CYP4F2rs2108622
VKORC1rs9923231,
rs7294, rs9934438, rs2359612, rs8050894, rs9923231
Drug hypersensitivityAllopurinolHLA B*58:01
* = STAR ALLELE. otc—Over-the-counter drugs available in India.
Table 2. Drugs used in NICU as per London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), IOWA Health Care, Medication Use in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (2005–2018) in the United States, and the Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN): list of drug-gene pair along with IndiGen frequency.
Table 2. Drugs used in NICU as per London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), IOWA Health Care, Medication Use in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (2005–2018) in the United States, and the Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN): list of drug-gene pair along with IndiGen frequency.
DRUGSPECIALITY PURPOSEADVERSE REACTIONSPHARMGKB GENESTAR ALLELErsIDINDIGEN
LansoprazoleGastroesophageal-reflux-disease (GERD)GI: abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, mildly elevated AST/ALT CV: hypertension, hypotension, Dermatologic: urticaria, pruritus, Hematologic: thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, leukocytosis, anemia, Endocrine: hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemiaCYP2C19*1rs37585810.8889
*2rs127692050.3689
rs42442850.3678
rs58973490.0025
*3rs49868930.0064
*8rs41291556NA
rs37585810.8889
*9rs17884712NA
rs37585810.8889
*17rs122485600.1436
PantoprazoleGastroesophageal-reflux-disease (GERD)abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, hypertension, hypotension, urticaria, pruritus, thrombocytopenia,
leucopenia, leukocytosis, anemia, thrombophlebitis
CYP2C19*1rs37585810.8889
*2rs127692050.3689
rs42442850.3678
rs589734900.0025
*3rs49868930.0064
*8rs41291556NA
rs37585810.8889
*9rs17884712NA
rs37585810.8889
*17rs122485600.1436
phenytoinAnticonvulsantAcute, following IV administration: hypotension, bradycardia, ventricular fibrillation, vasodilation; venous irritation; pain, thrombophlebitis, skin rash. Observe IV site carefully. Extravasation may cause tissue inflammation and necrosis. GI side effects: vomiting, constipation. Other: toxic hepatitis, gingival hyperplasia, hyperglycemia and osteoporosisCYP2C9*1rs725581890.001
rs2009650260.0049
rs1995236310.0005
rs17998530.0186
rs178470370.0015
rs79001940.0010
rs22568710.0103
rs283716850.0152
rs10579100.0182
*2rs17998530.0307
*3rs10579100.1093
*5rs28371686NA
*6rs9332131NA
*8rs79001940.0005
*11rs283716850.0029
*13rs72558187NA
*14rs725581890.018
*16rs72558192NA
*29rs182132442NA
*31rs57505750NA
*33rs200183364NA
*37rs564813580NA
*39rs762239445NA
*42rs12414460NA
*43rs767576260NA
*45rs1995236310.0015
*50NANA
*52rs988617574NA
*55rs1250577724NA
GentamicinAntibioticOtotoxicity, NephrotoxicityMT-RNR1 rs267606618NA
rs267606619NA
TobramycinAntibioticOtotoxicity, NephrotoxicityMT-RNR1 rs267606617NA
rs267606619NA
AmikacinAntibioticOtotoxicity, nephrotoxicityMT-RNR1 rs267606617NA
OmeprazoleGastroesophageal-reflux-disease (GERD)gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, and occasionally, an increased risk of infections due to altered gastric pH levelsCYP2C19*1rs37585810.8889
*2rs127692050.3689
*2rs42442850.3678
*2rs589734900.0025
*3rs49868930.0064
*9rs17884712NA
*9rs37585810.8889
*10rs6413438NA
*10rs37585810.8889
*17rs122485600.1436
*24rs37585810.8889
*24rs118203757NA
Succinylcholine Muscle RelaxantHyperkalemia, Malignant Hyperthermia, Bradycardia, Increased Intracranial Pressure, Myoglobinuria RYR1 rs193922802NA
RYR1 rs193922816NA
RYR1 rs112563513NA
RYR1 rs121918596NA
CACNA1S rs1800559NA
RYR1 rs121918592NA
RYR1 rs118192122NA
RYR1 rs193922772NA
rs118192163NA
rs118192177NA
rs118192176NA
rs118192124NA
rs121918595NA
rs28933397NA
rs118192178NA
rs121918593NA
rs1801086NA
rs193922807NA
rs118192168NA
rs118192172NA
rs193922876NA
rs193922764NA
rs193922818NA
EpinephrineSympathomimetic drug (relaxing muscles)/catecholaminesBreathing problems, irregular heartbeats, pale skin, sweating, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, headache, restlessness, fear, nervousness, anxiety, excitationG6PD DeficiencyNANANA
IbuprofenAnti inflammatory
Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, restless sleep, thirst, sweating, numbness in hands and feet, impaired hearing, blurred vison, eye irritation, fluid retention, ankle swelling, mild allergic reaction, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heat burn, diarrhoea, constipation, frequent urination, bladder irritation, increase risk of heart attack or stroke, bleeding in stomach and bowels, kidney and liver damage, confusion, disorientation, tinnitus, anxiety, paranoia, anaemia, black stools, seizures, comaCYP2C9*1rs725581890.001
rs2009650260.0049
rs1995236310.0005
rs17998530.0186
rs17847037 0.0015
rs7900194 0.0010
rs22568710.0103
rs28371685 0.0152
rs10579100.0182
*2rs17998530.0307
*3rs10579100.1093
*8rs79001940.0005
*9rs22568710.0817
*11rs283716850.0029
*14rs725581890.018
*26rs2009650260.0049
*35rs725581890.001
rs17998530.0186
*37rs564813580NA
*39rs762239445NA
*42rs12414460NA
*43rs767576260NA
*44rs2009650260.0049
*45rs1995236310.0015
*46rs754487195NA
*52rs988617574NA
*55rs1250577724NA
*61rs202201137NA
rs17998530.0186
MetoclopramideDopamine receptor antagonistTardive dyskinesia, diarrhoea, drowsiness, fatigue, muscle pain, restlessness, parkinsonism, somnolence, nausea, vomiting, asthenia, lassitude, depression, hypotensionCYP2D6Poor metabolizers
(*2, *3, *4, *5, *6, *9, *10, *17, *29, *40, *41)
rs10581640.568
rs169470.374
rs11358400.5646
rs283717250.1324
rs50306560.0020
rs5030655NA
rs283717040.0884
rs38920970.1094
rs10581720.0781
rs1135832NA
rs1135833NA
rs35742686NA
rs61736512NA
rs59421388NA
rs1135835NA
rs1135836NA
rs74478221NA
rs766507177
rs1065852
NA
0.1929
rs283717030.0894
rs28371735NA
rs11358240.0010
rs72549356NA
rs28371706NA
rs28371736NA
rs747998333NA
rs75467367NA
* = STAR ALLELE. NA—IndiGen data not available.
Table 3. AMP’s Minimum Set of Alleles along with different population frequencies from the IndiGen database.
Table 3. AMP’s Minimum Set of Alleles along with different population frequencies from the IndiGen database.
TIER 1* MINIMUM SET
GENEALLELErsIDIndiGenAfricanAsian (East & South)Europe
CYP2C19*2rs127692050.36890.19670.3125 & 0.35790.1451
rs42442850.36780.17020.3125 & 0.35790.1451
rs589734900.00250.00080 & 00.0040
*3rs49868930.00640.00230.0556 & 0.01230.000
*17rs122485600.14360.23520.0149 & 0.1360.2237
CYP2C9*2rs17998530.03070.00830.001 & 0.03480.1243
*3rs10579100.10930.00230.0337 & 0.10940.0726
*5rs28371686NANANANA
*6rs9332131NANANANA
*8rs79001940.00050.0530.0 & 0.0010.002
*11rs283716850.00290.02420.0 & 0.0010.002
CYP2D6*2rs10581640.568NANANA
*4rs38920970.10940.06050.002 & 0.10940.1859
*5NANANANANA
*6rs5030655NA0.00080.00000.0199
rs11358400.5646NANANA
*9rs50306560.0020.00080.00000.0258
*10rs10658520.19290.11270.57140.2018
rs10581640.568NANANA
*17rs10581640.568NANANA
rs169470.374NANANA
rs11358400.5646NANANA
*29rs61736512NA0.10970.00000.0000
rs10581640.568NANANA
rs169470.374NANANA
rs59421388NA0.10740.00000.0000
rs11358400.5646NANANA
*41rs283717250.13240.01820.03770.9066
TPMT*2rs1800462NANANANA
*3Ars18004600.00390.0030.00410.0278
rs11423450.02260.06660.0218 & 0.01740.0288
*3Brs18004600.00390.0030.00410.0278
*3Crs11423450.02260.06660.0218 & 0.01740.0288
NUDT15*3rs1168552320.08370.00080.0952 & 0.06950.002
CYP3A4*22rs355993670.00830.00080.00610.0497
CYP3A5*3rs7767460.7059NANANA
CYP3A5*6rs10264272NANANANA
CYP3A5*7rs41303343NANANANA
TIER 2* OPTIONAL
CYP2C19*4rs122485600.14360.23520.0149 & 0.1360.2237
*5rs37585810.8889NANANA
*6rs72552267NANANANA
rs37585810.8889NANANA
*7rs37585810.8889NANANA
rs72558186NANANANA
*8rs41291556NANANANA
rs37585810.8889NANANA
*9rs17884712NANANANA
rs37585810.8889NANANA
*10rs6413438NANANANA
rs37585810.8889NANANA
*35rs17882687NANANANA
rs127692050.36890.19670.3125 & 0.35790.1451
rs37585810.8889NANANA
CYP2C9*12rs9332239NANANANA
*13rs72558187NANANANA
*14rs72558190NANANANA
CYP4F2*3rs21086220.40120.08250.2143 & 0.41310.2903
VKORC1 rs72547529NANANANA
rs61742245NANANANA
CYP2C cluster rs127778230.37410.25110.3145 & 0.3620.1511
CYP2D6*7rs50308670.0073NA0.0 & 0.0092NA
*8rs10581640.5680NANANA
rs5030865NANANANA
rs169470.374NANANA
rs11358400.5646NANANA
*12rs5030862NANANANA
rs10581640.5680NANANA
rs28371710NANANANA
rs169470.374NANANA
rs11358400.5646NANANA
*14rs10581640.5680NANANA
rs5030865NANANANA
rs169470.3740NANANA
rs11358400.5646NANANA
*15rs283716960.00740.02340.0 & 0.01120.002
rs774671100NANANANA
*21rs10581640.568NANANA
rs169470.374NANANA
rs11358400.5646NANANA
*31rs169470.374NANANA
rs11358400.5646NANANA
rs10581640.5680NANANA
*40rs72549356NANANANA
*42rs10581640.5680NANANA
rs169470.374NANANA
rs72549346NANANANA
rs11358400.5646NANANA
*49rs10658520.19290.11270.5714 & 0.16460.2018
rs1135822NANANANA
rs10581640.5680NANANA
rs11358400.5646NANANA
*56rs10658520.19290.11270.5714 & 0.16460.2018
rs10581640.568NANANA
rs169470.374NANANA
rs72549347NANANANA
rs11358400.5646NANANA
*59rs10581640.5680NANANA
rs169470.374NANANA
rs79292917NANANANA
rs11358400.5646NANANA
TPMT*11rs72552738NANANANA
*29rs267607275NANANANA
*42rs759836180NANANANA
NUDT15*2rs746071566NANANANA
rs1168552320.08370.00080.0952 & 0.06950.002
*4rs147390019NANANANA
*6rs746071566NANANANA
*9rs746071566NANANANA
*14rs777311140NANANANA
CYP3A4*20rs67666821NANANANA
* = STAR ALLELE. NA—data not available in IndiGenomes.
Table 4. List of 24 genes and associated drugs that we propose for pre-emptive testing.
Table 4. List of 24 genes and associated drugs that we propose for pre-emptive testing.
Sl. NoGenesDrugsSl. NoGenesDrugs
1CYP2D6Metoprolol, Tamoxifen
Amitriptyline, Clomipramine
Ondansetron, Tropisetron
Codeine, Tramadol
Bupropion, Aripiprazole
Haloperidol, Fluvoxamine
Zuclopenthixol decanoate
Paroxetine, Risperidone
13NUDT15Mercaptopurine
Azathioprine
2VKORC1Warfarin14DPYDFluorouracil
Capecitabine
3TPMTMercaptopurine
Azathioprine
15CYP2C9Fluvastatin, Warfarin
Phenytoin, Ibuprofen
4NAT2Isoniazid16CYP2B6Sertraline, Efavirenz
5HLA-ACarbamazepine17CYP2C19Clopidogrel, Amitriptyline
Clomipramine, Sertraline
Citalopram, Escitalopram
Omeprazole, Voriconazole
6HLA-BAbacavir, Phenytoin
Lamotrigine, Allopurinol
18MTHFRMethotrexate
7G6PDDapsone19IFNL3Ribavirin
8CYP3A4Tacrolimus, Quetiapine20IFNL4Ribavirin
9CYP3A5Tacrolimus21CACNA1SHalothane, Isoflurane
10ABCG2Allopurinol22RYR1Sevoflurane, Halothane
Isoflurane
11UGT1A1Atazanavir, Irinotecan23CYP4F2Warfarin
12SLCO1B1Lovastatin, Atorvastatin
Simvastatin, Pravastatin
Fluvastatin
24MT-RNR1Gentamicin, Tobramycin
Amikacin
Blue—common for adults and pediatrics, Green—unique to pediatrics, Black highlight—unique to adults.
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Kulkarni, S.S.; R, V.; Das, A.; Iyer, G.R. Cataloging Actionable Pharmacogenomic Variants for Indian Clinical Practice: A Scoping Review. J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15, 101. https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15040101

AMA Style

Kulkarni SS, R V, Das A, Iyer GR. Cataloging Actionable Pharmacogenomic Variants for Indian Clinical Practice: A Scoping Review. Journal of Xenobiotics. 2025; 15(4):101. https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15040101

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kulkarni, Sacheta Sudhendra, Venkatesh R, Anuradha Das, and Gayatri Rangarajan Iyer. 2025. "Cataloging Actionable Pharmacogenomic Variants for Indian Clinical Practice: A Scoping Review" Journal of Xenobiotics 15, no. 4: 101. https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15040101

APA Style

Kulkarni, S. S., R, V., Das, A., & Iyer, G. R. (2025). Cataloging Actionable Pharmacogenomic Variants for Indian Clinical Practice: A Scoping Review. Journal of Xenobiotics, 15(4), 101. https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15040101

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop