Precision Prescriptions: The Role of Pharmacogenomics in Curbing the Opioid Epidemic

What if your genes could determine the safest, most effective pain treatment for you? Over 60,000 Americans die annually from opioid overdoses, yet one in three patients finds these drugs ineffective or harmful. Could genetic testing be the missing link1?
Chronic pain affects 33% of U.S. adults, often leading to opioid prescriptions. But here’s the catch: 90% of people have genetic variations that alter how their bodies process these medications12. This mismatch fuels risks like addiction or inadequate relief.
New research reveals that tailoring prescriptions based on CYP2D6 enzyme profiles can slash adverse effects and boost therapy success. Imagine a future where your DNA guides your pain management—no more trial and error32.
The Opioid Epidemic: A National Crisis
The U.S. faces a devastating public health emergency with opioid-related deaths now exceeding car crash fatalities4. Over 11,000 lives were lost to overdoses in 2011 alone, ...