Geriatric Pharmacology

Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine in the Elderly Population

Pharmacogenomics is emerging as a vital component of precision medicine, offering insights into how genetic variability influences individual responses to drug therapy. In elderly populations, this field holds particular promise due to the high prevalence of multimorbidity, altered pharmacokinetics, and polypharmacy that complicate treatment outcomes. Understanding genetic determinants of drug metabolism and action can help clinicians tailor therapies, reduce adverse drug reactions, and enhance treatment efficacy. The integration of pharmacogenomic principles into geriatric practice also provides a foundation for more rational prescribing, bridging the gap between molecular research and individualized patient care. This article collection invites original research and reviews that explore genetic influences on drug response, clinical implementation of pharmacogenomic testing, and advances in precision therapeutics designed specifically for elderly population.

The global rise in the elderly population presents distinctive challenges in ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes. Age-related physiological changes, comorbidities, and concurrent drug use often lead to unpredictable drug responses and higher risk of toxicity. Personalized medicine guided by pharmacogenomics can significantly improve safety and therapeutic outcomes in this vulnerable group. By identifying genetic markers that predict efficacy and adverse reactions, clinicians can optimize dosing, prevent drug interactions, and improve quality of life in elderly patients. This themed issue aims to bring together recent research that advances our understanding of precision pharmacotherapy in older populations. This special issue invites work that explores the practical use of pharmacogenomic testing, individualized dosing, and innovative clinical approaches designed specifically for the aging population. By combining the latest evidence and clinical experience, the collection aims to promote a more personalized, data-driven approach to geriatric pharmacotherapy and inspire future research in this evolving field.

This article collection will cover a broad range of topics related to the application of pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine in the care of older adults. Subtopics may include genetic determinants of drug metabolism and response, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variability in aging, pharmacogenomic-guided dosing strategies, and integration of genomic testing into clinical decision-making. Articles exploring ethical considerations, cost-effectiveness, and health policy implications of personalized pharmacotherapy in geriatric populations are also welcome. The collection seeks to publish original research articles, systematic or narrative reviews, mini-reviews, and short communications that contribute to the understanding and implementation of individualized drug therapy in elderly patients.

Keywords:

1. Pharmacogenomics
2. Personalized medicine
3. Geriatric pharmacotherapy
4. Precision pharmacology
5. Drug response variability

The deadline for submitting manuscripts is 31 July 2026.

If you have any queries regarding the Article Collection or would like to discuss a submission, then please email the Commissioning Editor, Catherine Teng at  [email protected].