PEP Case Study: The Impact of Genetic Polymorphisms on Drug Pharmacokinetics in Minoritized Populations

The Impact of Genetic Polymorphisms on Drug Pharmacokinetics in Minoritized Populations

Preclinical Engagement Program Case Study

The Challenge

A pre-clinical researcher exploring the contribution of genetic polymorphisms  on drug pharmacokinetics lacked biospecimens (i.e., saliva) from minoritized communities. Broadening their sample collection to include diverse populations was critical to better understanding the role of genetics in drug effectiveness and safety in diverse populations​.

Solution Offered – Community Engagement

To address this challenge, the pre-clinical researcher reached out to a network of primary care providers, whom had access to populations that were underrepresented in the genetic samples. Providers recommended an education event for minority patients about how medicines work in different racial/ethnic populations and providing study information at the end.

Implementation & Results – Outcome

During a short town-hall style event, the researcher provided an overview of how drugs are impacted by genetics, and answered questions about how saliva samples were used, who had access, and what happened to the samples when the study was finished. The opportunity for patients to learn about how drugs are metabolized in different populations, combined with the ability to get answers to their questions, resulted in many patients opting to provide saliva samples for the study.​

Impact – Benefits of Community Engagement

Although the study initially lacked biospecimens from diverse populations, following through with recommendations from primary care providers to provide more education and give patients an opportunity to ask their questions, resulted in access to a more diverse patient pool. This partnership not only facilitated an effective recruitment strategy for this study, but also established connections to medical providers who are critical stakeholders in the drug development process. Physician insights inform new drug development by bringing to the research understandings about current treatment options, drug delivery mechanisms, and side effects.

If you have any questions about the Preclinical Engagement Program, contact PEP Coordinator Sonia Bishop (skbishop@uw.edu). If you’re ready to get started, fill out the intake form now.