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Pharmacogenomics (PGx)

The PPMH Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Initiative working group includes individuals from the School of Pharmacy and School of Medicine who are working to expand access to pharmacogenomic testing and clinical services to providers and patients across the UNC Health system. Long-term goals of the PPMH PGx Initiative include:

  • Recognition as a leader in clinical implementation and research in pharmacogenomics
  • In collaboration with the PPMH ISD GGC Initiative, building and maintaining clinical decision support (CDS) within the UNC Health Epic EHR to ensure safe and appropriate use of pharmacogenomics testing
  • Developing an education program that can be utilized by providers seeking to incorporate evidence-based pharmacogenetic testing into their practice

 

Short-term goals fall in three areas:

  1. Laboratory/Testing
  2. Clinical Decision Support (CDS)/Epic Genomics
  3. Clinical Implementation

 

Current Projects:

Lifesaving Pharmacogenetic Testing in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

In January 2025, the FDA issued a patient safety alert regarding a genetic interaction between specific variants in the DPYD gene and metabolism of common chemotherapy drugs. Patients with these variants can experience severe adverse reactions, including death, when undergoing specific cancer treatments. Utilizing infrastructure built by the PPMH, the PPMH Pharmacogenomics team is leading the response in swiftly implementing pre-chemotherapy DPYD testing for patients across UNC Health.

 

Provider Resources on Pharmacogenomic Testing: