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Transporter pharmacogenetics and statin toxicity.

Niemi M

Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. mikko.niemi@helsinki.fi

Polymorphisms in transporter genes can have profound effects on statin pharmacokinetics. In particular, a common genetic variant of organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 reduces the hepatic uptake of many statins, increasing the risk of statin-induced myopathy. Similarly, genetically impaired adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette G2 transporter efflux activity results in a marked increase in systemic exposure to various statins. Importantly, the effects of these genetic polymorphisms differ depending on the specific statin that is used. This provides a rational basis for the individualization of lipid-lowering therapy.

Published 18 December 2009 in Clin Pharmacol Ther, 87(1): 130-3.
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