King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre Announces Innovative Clinical Pharmacogenomics

Enhances Drug Effectiveness and Patient Safety  


RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct 25 (Bernama) — The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural phase of its clinical pharmacogenomics service within its Heart Center. This pioneering service leverages the patient’s DNA to tailor drug dosages and selections, heralding a new era in healthcare that prioritizes personalized treatment for each individual. This groundbreaking approach is poised to enhance treatment outcomes and reduce potential harm.

KFSH&RC’s experts have said that this analysis empowers physicians to prescribe medications customized to each patient, factoring in their unique health conditions and genetic traits. Patients’ responses to pharmaceuticals can significantly differ based on their genetic profiles. As a result, what proves effective for one patient may have minimal impact in another. It is worth noting that statistics reveal that 15% of hospital admissions stem from adverse drug reactions, imposing substantial financial and human burdens on healthcare systems across the globe.

This innovative service is a collaborative endeavor between the Centre for Genomic Medicine, Healthcare Information Technology Affairs, and the Pharmaceutical Care Department at KFSH&RC. In its initial phase, this service encompasses six of the most frequently prescribed medications, as determined by hospital data, whose efficacy is known to be influenced by genetic variations.

KFSH&RC has made it clear that it remains committed to expanding the scope of this service progressively, encompassing all hospital departments. This expansion underscores the hospital’s unwavering dedication to providing personalized healthcare to every patient, ensuring the utmost level of safety, and minimizing harm, while adhering to the latest globally endorsed scientific practices.

At the Global Health Exhibition held in Riyadh from October 29th to 31st, where KFSH&RC plays a vital role as a strategic health partner, the hospital is set to unveil the innovative service that promises to advance healthcare outcomes in the region.

KFSH&RC stated that it is moving to gradually expand the scope of application of the service to include all medical specialties as part of its commitment to providing personalized health care for each patient at the highest level of safety and prevention of harm and to harness the latest scientifically proven practices around the world.

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center is considered among the most prominent in the world in providing specialized health care, a pioneer in innovation, and an advanced medical research and education center. It also seeks to develop medical technologies and raise health care worldwide in partnership with prominent local, regional and international institutions. To achieve world-class service in the clinical, research, and educational fields.