Genes, genetics, and inheritance

The four processes that a drug goes through after being ingested are absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. Genetic variation can affect each of these processes. For example, how much of a drug is absorbed, does it get to where it needs to go, does it work when it gets there, how long does it stay, and at what rate does it leave the body?

Of the four areas, pharmacogenetics has looked most closely at genetic differences in drug metabolism. Despite this concentration, only a handful of genetic variations have been found to have a predictive effect on outcomes.

Most currently licensed HIV drugs target proteins using the virus’s genetic material. The introduction of the CCR5 inhibitor maraviroc (Celsentri) changes this picture. This drug class targets human proteins, so genetic variation could possibly affect response to treatment.  

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.