Tribune News Network
Doha
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar’s leading provider of secondary and tertiary health care, has announced a significant advancement in precision medicine through the clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics. This pioneering initiative positions HMC as the first institution in Qatar and among a select few in the Middle East to incorporate pharmacogenomics into routine clinical practice.
Pharmacogenomics combines pharmacology and genomics to study how genes affect an individual’s response to medications. This approach develops personalised drug therapies by considering each patient’s unique genetic profile, enhancing drug efficacy while minimising adverse effects.
Dr Salha Bujassoum Al Bader, director of the Centre for Clinical Precision Medicine and Genomics (CCPMG) and associate chair of the HMC Precision Medicine Committee, highlighted the significance of this integration. She stated, "The integration of pharmacogenomics into our clinical practice is a monumental step forward in patient care. By understanding how individual genetic profiles affect drug responses, we can provide more precise and effective treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes.”
The role of the Health Information Technology (HIT) departments is crucial in this advancement. Developing sophisticated Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) that integrate genetic test data with clinical guidelines will equip clinicians with real-time information on gene-drug pairs interactions at the point of care and guide prescribing medications.
Dr Moza Al Hail, executive director of the HMC Pharmacy Department, emphasised the initiative’s transformative potential. "This initiative will transform and guide prescribing and dispensing of medications, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their genetic makeup. This personalised approach enhances efficacy and significantly reduces the risk of adverse drug reactions,” she said.
This groundbreaking pharmacogenomics initiative aligns seamlessly with Qatar Vision 2030, which emphasises advanced healthcare and personalised medicine as cornerstones of the nation’s development. By integrating cutting-edge genetic research with clinical practice, HMC is enhancing patient outcomes and contributing to Qatar’s goal of becoming a regional leader in healthcare innovation. This initiative reflects the vision’s commitment to ensuring all citizens have access to world-class healthcare tailored to their unique needs.
The successful clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics at HMC marks a significant milestone in advancing patient care. This project is a collaboration between CCPMG, the HMC Pharmacy Department, and the HICT Department.
In addition to enhancing patient care, HMC’s pharmacogenomics initiative is set to contribute to the global scientific community. By engaging in international research collaborations and sharing valuable data, HMC aims to advance understanding of gene-drug interactions and their implications for direct patient care. Pharmacogenomics pilot studies at HMC have been ongoing, and many patients have already benefited from them. This initiative will continue to be a successful component of implementing pharmacogenomics clinically.
HMC eagerly anticipates this initiative’s positive impact on patient care and the broader healthcare landscape in Qatar.