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The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has published a pharmacogenomics resource — supported by NHS England — which offers support for prescribers in any healthcare discipline to expand their competence and improve patient outcomes.
In statement published on 18 March 2026, the RPS said the resource will help “ensure pharmacogenomics is recognised as an integral component of high-quality prescribing practice”.
“This resource includes practical case studies demonstrating how pharmacogenomic information can enhance clinical decision-making, reduce avoidable adverse drug reactions and support more effective use of medicines,” it added.
“By mapping pharmacogenomic knowledge and skills to the RPS competency framework, the resource strengthens current practice while also informing future workforce development as pharmacogenomics becomes more embedded across the UK health system.”
The RPS noted that prescribers can use the resource to help them self assess their pharmacogenomics skills and for portfolio development. Organisations — including regulators and professional bodies — can also use it to inform standards, governance and educational curricula.
The resource is supported by the NHS England Genomics Education Programme through the Pharmacogenomics and Medicines Optimisation Genomic Network of Excellence, which is led by the NHS North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance.
It follows a consultation run by the RPS between December 2025 and January 2026, which invited feedback on a draft version of the resource.
William Newman, lead of the NHS England Network of Excellence on Pharmacogenomics and Medicines Optimisation, commented: “Pharmacogenomics is rapidly becoming part of routine NHS practice.
“This framework provides the clarity and confidence prescribers need to use pharmacogenomic information safely and effectively.”
Sophie Harding, lead author and All-Wales consultant pharmacist for pharmacogenomics, said: “This resource has been created to be fully inclusive, supporting prescribers from all professional backgrounds as they navigate the rapidly evolving field of pharmacogenomics.
“Its development has drawn on the expertise of specialists from multiple organisations, reflecting a collective commitment to advancing safer and more personalised prescribing for patients.”
The results of a study published in 2025 suggested that testing patients for three genes could help prevent 75% of avoidable side effects of certain medicines.
In December 2025, the UK Centre of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation in Pharmacogenomics recommended that all patients should undergo pharmacogenetic testing before being prescribed the antiplatelet medication clopidogrel (Plavix; Sanofi).
