Analysis of the current situation of pharmacogenomics in terms of educational and healthcare needs in Egypt and Lebanon

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is a practice that investigates the link between genetic differences and drug response in patients. This can improve treatment effectiveness and reduce harmful side effects. However, has yet to be adequately realized in developing nations. Three surveys were conducted between November 2022 to March 2023 in Egypt and Lebanon. The first survey assessed availability of PGx testing in different healthcare facilities; the second one assessed knowledge, interest and attitude toward learning about PGx among pharmacists and physicians; and the third one assessed interest in providing PGx education at academic levels. In Egypt, a few of the surveyed healthcare facilities are conducting some form of pharmacogenetic testing. In Lebanon, very few germline pharmacogenomic tests are offered in Greater Beirut's leading hospitals, and no other testing was recorded. PGx education attracts considerable interest, with 34.3% of pharmacists very interested and 48.8% interested. Similarly, 24.8% of total physicians were very interested while 44.8% were interested. Academic professionals in the surveyed institutions in both countries agreed on the need for educational programs in PGx and 78.2% agreed that there were good opportunities for implementing PGx testing. These findings clearly indicate the need to develop and implement educational programs in PGx in the Middle-East. Pharmacogenomics is a field of study that investigates the relationship between genetic variations and the way patients respond to medications. Some pharmacogenetic tests are performed by a few healthcare providers in Egypt and Lebanon. Our study is the first to assess knowledge and attitude toward pharmacogenetic education among pharmacists and physicians in Egypt and Lebanon. Pharmacists showed significant interest in PGx training and education compared with physicians. Freshly graduated participants showed great interest in PGx education compared with the remaining participants in the study. The interest of academic mentors in implementing PGx education programs in Egypt and Lebanon was assessed. The implementation of new PGx programs in the Middle East is becoming a great need because of the scarcity of PGx educational programs.