How do my genes affect the way drugs work in my body?

Modified on Wed, 28 Jun, 2023 at 1:29 PM

The human body has incredible processes to break down or activate medications. There are several important proteins in the body that play significant roles when a medication is ingested:


  • Enzymes: break down or active a drug so it can take effect
  • Protein transporters: help a drug go to where it is needed
  • Protein receptors: let the drug into the cell where it will take effect

Certain genetic variants can impact the quantity and effectiveness of these enzymes, transporters and receptors, driving wide variations in responses to medications between individuals.

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