A Review of Clinical Pharmacogenetics Studies in African Populations
Fouzia Radouani, Lyndon Zass, Yosr Hamdi, Jorge da Rocha, Reem M. Sallam, Sonia Abdelhak, Samah Ahmed, Maryame Azzouzi, Ichrak Benamri, Alia Benkahla, Balkiss Bouhaouala‐Zahar, Melek Chaouch, Haifa Jmel, Rym Kéfi, Ayoub Ksouri, Judit Kumuthini, Phumlani Masilela, Collen Masimirembwa, Houcemeddine Othman, Sumir Panji, Lilia Romdhane, Chaimae Samtal, Rania Sibira, Kaïs Ghedira, Faisal M. Fadlelmola, Samar K. Kassim, Nicola Mulder
Abstract
Effective interventions and treatments for complex diseases have been implemented globally, however, coverage in Africa has been comparatively lower due to lack of capacity, clinical applicability and knowledge on the genetic contribution to disease and treatment. Currently, there is a scarcity of genetic data on African populations, which have enormous genetic diversity. Pharmacogenomics studies have the potential to revolutionise treatment of diseases, therefore, African populations are likely to benefit from these approaches to identify likely responders, reduce adverse side effects and optimise drug dosing. This review discusses clinical pharmacogenetics studies conducted in African populations, focusing on studies that examined drug response in complex diseases relevant to healthcare. Several pharmacogenetics associations have emerged from African studies, as have gaps in knowledge.