Pharmacogenomics in the Nigerian population: the past, the present and the future

Abstract

The Nigerian population exhibits huge ethnic and genetic diversity, typical of African populations, which can be harnessed for improved drug-response and disease management. Existing data on genes relevant to drug response, so far generated for the population, indeed confirm the prevalence of some clinically significant pharmacogenes. These reports detail prevailing genetic alleles and metabolic phenotypes of vital drug metabolizing monooxygenases, transferases and drug transporters. While the utilization of existing pharmacogenomic data for healthcare delivery remains unpopular, several past and on-going studies suggest that a future shift toward genotype-stratified dosing of drugs and disease management in the population is imminent. This review discusses the present state of pharmacogenomics in Nigeria and the potential benefits of sustained research in this field for the population.