Page 18 - BOPHELO - Life - 2026

Decoding Genomes

for Safer Medicines

in Africa

Medicines are essential for modern healthcare,
but the same drug can work very differently for African-Led Pharmacogenomics
different people. Some patients may respond Research
well, others may experience little benefit, and
a few may have serious side effects. Much of Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genes affect a
this variation comes from genetic differences, person’s response to medicine. By identifying genetic
the unique way each person’s body absorbs, markers linked to better or worse outcomes with specific
drugs, healthcare providers can select the safest and
metabolises, and clears drugs.
most effective treatment from the start.
Understanding these differences is especially important At the University of Cape Town, the SAMRC–PREMED
in Africa. The continent has the world’s most genetically Unit, led by Professor Collet Dandara and Associate
diverse populations, yet most research on drug safety Professor Phumla Sinxadi, is generating African
and effectiveness has focused on European and Asian pharmacogenomic evidence to improve prescribing.
populations. This leaves a gap: many medicines Their work spans a wide range of conditions, including
prescribed in Africa may not work as intended, increasing cancer, HIV, malaria, hypertension, diabetes, and
risks of side effects, treatment failure, and wasted pregnancy-related complications like pre-eclampsia. For
healthcare resources. example, in breast cancer treatment, the team studies
how genetic differences influence response to drugs like
tamoxifen, helping clinicians identify who will benefit
most and who may need alternative therapy.

16 THE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL