OVERVIEW

Precision pharmacology is an emerging field of pharmacology that aims to optimize drug treatments based on the individual characteristics of each patient, such as genetic profile, gender, and lifestyle, with the goal of improving the efficacy and safety of therapies. By overcoming the traditional one-size-fits-all approach, it relies on the analysis of molecular mechanisms that drive individual variability in drug response in order to identify the most appropriate drug and define the most suitable dosage for each individual.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching aims to provide students with the knowledge required to understand and apply the principles of precision pharmacology, in order to optimize treatment effectiveness and reduce the risk of toxicity.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

In detail, the teaching aims to analyze the main factors underlying individual variability in drug response, exploring their molecular and cellular mechanisms. Attention will be given to pharmacogenetics, a branch of pharmacology that studies the genetic basis of this variability. The impact of polymorphisms in genes encoding drug targets and proteins involved in pharmacokinetic processes on treatment response and on the onset of toxic effects or therapeutic inefficacy will be examined, with reference to specific diseases and their therapies.

The teaching will also address the principles of gender pharmacology, highlighting differences related to biological sex and gender in drug response, both at the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic levels. Attention will be given to how genetic, environmental, and gender factors interact to shape a patient’s overall response to drug treatments. Finally, examples of clinical applications of precision pharmacology, such as gene therapy and precision oncology, will be described.

At the end, the student will be able to:

• understand how genetic, environmental, and gender-related factors contribute to individual variability in drug response;
• predict, based on these characteristics, possible changes in drug dosage or therapeutic choice in order to optimize treatment effectiveness and reduce the risk of adverse effects;
• recognize the role and importance of precision pharmacology and personalized medicine in clinical practice;
• use appropriate scientific language.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of pharmacology, molecular biology, and genetics is helpful for a proper understanding of the topics covered in the course.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching consists of 2 CFU, corresponding to 8 lectures of about two hours. During the lectures, students will be actively involved in discussions through questions and scientific reasoning to assess their level of knowledge and understanding of the topics covered.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction to precision pharmacology: factors influencing interindividual variability in drug response and general principles of personalized medicine.

Pharmacogenetics: polymorphisms in genes encoding proteins involved in drug metabolism (CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and NAT-2) and transport proteins (P-glycoprotein). Polymorphisms in genes encoding drug targets (β2-adrenergic receptors and asthma therapy; opioid receptors and pain therapy; serotonin transporter and depression therapy). Polymorphisms in HLA genes and adverse drug reactions.

Principles of gender pharmacology.

Precision pharmacology in oncology: molecular biomarkers and targeted therapies.

Examples of gene therapy.

Overview of digital therapeutics.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The slides related to the teaching programme will be shared on Aulaweb.

For further study, the following textbook is recommended: Biotechnological Drugs: Pharmacological and Clinical Aspects, E. Vegeto, A. Maggi, P. Minghetti, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GUENDALINA OLIVERO (President)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable go to the link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/.

Please check the module Aulaweb page for timetable updates. 

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination will consist of an oral test. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The final mark will take into account the level of preparation, the reasoning skills and the ability to make connections between the course topics, as well as the use of a proper scientific language.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students with a documented physical or learning disability registered with the University can find information about support services on the webpage https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa, provided by the “Student Inclusion Services for Disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders” office.

It is also possible to contact Professor Cristina Carbone (cristina.carbone@unige.it), the DISTAV contact person for disabilities.

Please contact the lecturer for further information.