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. 2025 Apr 11;20(4):e0319042.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0319042. eCollection 2025.

Integrating pharmacogenomics in three Middle Eastern countries' healthcare (Lebanon, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia): Current insights, challenges, and strategic directions

Said El Shamieh  1 , Rimah Abdullah Saleem  2 , Dalal Hammoudi Halat  3 , Hana M A Fakhoury  2 , Kholoud Bastaki  4 , Mirna Fawaz  5 , Ahmed Malki  6 , Rajaa Fakhoury  1   2
Affiliations

Integrating pharmacogenomics in three Middle Eastern countries' healthcare (Lebanon, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia): Current insights, challenges, and strategic directions

Said El Shamieh et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background and objectives: Pharmacogenomics (PGx) leverages genomic information to tailor drug therapies, enhancing precision medicine. Despite global advancements, its implementation in Lebanon, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia faces unique challenges in clinical integration. This study aimed to investigate PGx attitudes, knowledge implementation, associated challenges, forecast future educational needs, and compare findings across the three countries.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized an anonymous, self-administered online survey distributed to healthcare professionals, academics, and clinicians in Lebanon, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The survey comprised 18 questions to assess participants' familiarity with PGx, current implementation practices, perceived obstacles, potential integration strategies, and future educational needs.

Results: The survey yielded 337 responses from healthcare professionals across the three countries. Data revealed significant variations in PGx familiarity and educational involvement. Qatar and Saudi Arabia participants were more familiar with PGx compared to Lebanon (83%, 75%, and 67%, respectively). Participation in PGx-related talks was most prevalent in Saudi Arabia (96%), followed by Qatar (53%) and Lebanon (35%). Key challenges identified included test cost and reimbursement, insufficient physician knowledge, and lack of infrastructure. Lebanon reported the highest concern for test costs (16%), compared to the lowest in Saudi Arabia (5%). Despite these challenges, a strong consensus emerged on PGx's potential to improve patient outcomes, with over 86% of respondents in all three countries expressing this belief. Educational interest areas varied by country, with strong interest in PGx for cancer chemotherapy in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon and for diabetes mellitus in Qatar.

Conclusion: This study highlights the significant influence of varied educational backgrounds and infrastructural limitations on PGx implementation across Lebanon, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The findings emphasize the need for targeted strategies in each country to address these distinct barriers. Integrating PGx education into healthcare training programs and clinical workflows could unlock PGx's potential to optimize patient care.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Knowledge and attitudes towards implementation of pharmacogenomics in clinical practice and research.
A: Familiarity with the Concept of Pharmacogenomics. B. Attendance or Presentation of Educational Talks on Pharmacogenomics in the Past 2 Years. C. Integration of Pharmacogenomics into Clinical Practice or Research Activities.
Fig 2
Fig 2. The overall challenges for bringing pharmacogenetics into clinical practice.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Challenges for bringing pharmacogenetics into clinical practice in Lebanon, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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