Will pharmacogenomic discoveries improve HIV therapeutics?

Pharmacogenomic studies are contributing to our understanding of interindividual differences in response to antiretroviral drugs. Genetic polymorphism in major histocompatibility complex genes predict likelihood of hypersensitivity reactions in persons prescribed abacavir, and perhaps nevirapine. Recent studies have shown that a polymorphisms in the CYP2B6 gene is associated with higher plasma efavirenz concentrations and increased efavirenz central nervous system side effects. Polymorphisms in the MDR1 gene encoding the drug pump, P-glycoprotein, may predict nevirapine-associated hepatoxicity and long-term virologic response to efavirenz. CYP2C19 polymorphisms predict nelfinavir plasma levels and, possibly, risk of virologic failure on this drug. A European mitochondrial haplogroup may predict increased risk of peripheral neuropathy associated with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Expansion and refinement of knowledge regarding associations between human genetics and response to antiretroviral drugs may ultimately permit individualization of therapy based on genotyping. This article summarizes a presentation on HIV therapeutics and pharmacogenomics by David W. Haas, MD, at the International AIDS Society-USA course in Atlanta in March 2005.