Linking Pharmacology to Clinical Therapeutics: An Interdisciplinary Laboratory Experience in Optimizing Antiplatelet Therapy using Pharmacogenetic Data

Abstract

The goal of this study was to engage students across professional disciplines, including medical, pharmacy, and nursing relative to collection, interpretation and application of pharmacogenetic data. Here focusing on the cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) *1 and *2 alleles as it relates to clopidogrel therapy. This interprofessional exercise was based within the Manchester University College of Pharmacy curriculum. Seventy‐four students volunteered to serve as the sample population for this study. Student samples were kept anonymous. Students were instructed on the process of DNA sample collection through data reporting. Individuals collected their own DNA sample via buccal swab. The samples were genotype using standard PCR and gel electrophoresis. The pharmacy students interpreted the results and reported the findings to the nursing and medical students. Then medical students provided a clinical decision relative to antiplatelet therapy utilizing the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) guidelines for the clopidogrel‐CYP2C19 drug‐gene interaction. Individual results were available for students and the population frequency of the *2 allele in the study population was calculated and compared to previously published data. Students were surveyed regarding their attitudes and understanding of pharmacogenetics prior to and following the laboratory experience. The vast majority of the students, regardless of their discipline, agreed that the laboratory enhanced their understanding of pharmacogenetics as applied in the clinical setting.