RPS launches new pharmacogenomic resource to support safe, effective and personalised prescribing
Published: 18 March 2026
This was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has today launched a Pharmacogenomic resource to support the competency framework for all prescribers, a new resource designed to help prescribers integrate pharmacogenomics into routine clinical decision-making and meet established prescribing competencies.
Pharmacogenomics – understanding how a person’s genetic makeup affects their response to medicines – is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of safe, effective and personalised prescribing.
The open access resource supports the RPS prescribing competency framework, helping ensure pharmacogenomics is recognised as an integral component of high-quality prescribing practice.
This work is supported by the NHS England Genomics Programme through the Pharmacogenomics and Medicines Optimisation Genomic Network of Excellence, which is led by the NHS North West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance, and supports national ambitions across the United Kingdom to make genomics part of everyday healthcare.
Designed for all prescribers, regardless of prior knowledge or experience of pharmacogenomics, the 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.
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 launch aligns with key national strategies for genomics and personalised care, including the UK Government’s Genome UK: The future of healthcare and Life Sciences Sector Plan.
Adverse drug reactions remain a significant burden for patients and the NHS. Pharmacogenomics supports a move beyond a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach by helping prescribers anticipate how individuals may respond to medicines, supporting safer, more tailored prescribing decisions.
As pharmacogenomic data becomes increasingly available across the NHS, prescribers will play a central role in ensuring it is applied safely and effectively. This resource helps prepare the workforce for the future, giving prescribers the clarity and confidence to use pharmacogenomic information in everyday practice.
Dr Sophie Harding, Lead Author and 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. It has been a privilege to contribute to this work.”
Professor William Newman, Lead of the NHS Network of Excellence in Pharmacogenomics and Medicines Optimisation, said:
“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.”
Professor Claire Anderson, PPS President, said:
“This resource helps every prescriber meet established prescribing competencies by embedding pharmacogenomics into routine clinical decision making. It is an important step towards safer, more personalised prescribing for patients across the UK.”
RPS will host a webinar on Tuesday 19 May, 7- 8.15pm introducing the resource and exploring how it can support prescribers to use pharmacogenomic information safely and effectively in practice. Book your place.
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