Recent Advances in the Pharmacogenetics of Clopidogrel

Clopidogrel has been used to prevent recurrent ischemic events after acute coronary syndrome and/or coronary stent implantation. An impaired platelet response to this drug (residual high platelet reactivity) has been identified as a risk factor for recurrent ischemic events. The platelet response to clopidogrel is highly heritable (73%) suggesting a substantial genetic component. Two sequential cytochrome P450-dependent oxidative steps are required to convert clopidogrel to its active metabolite. The first step leads to the formation of 2-oxo-clopidogrel, which is then metabolized to the active metabolite. Cytochrome P450s are large highly polymorphic family of mono-oxygenases. Many alleles have been reported, and some of these are able to modify the activity of proteins, reducing or increasing the concentration of active metabolites and the drug effect. Loss-of-function variants in the hepatic cytochrome 2C19 (mainly *2 allele) system have been found to be the predominant genetic mediators of clopidogrel response. Variant carriers have higher treatment platelet reactivity and higher risk of adverse cardiac events including stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and death. Although value of CYP2C19 genotyping has been demonstrated in ACS population treated with PCI, there is still a wide interindividual variability within each genotype to systematically advocate this genetic testing in clinical practice. The CYP2C19*2 variant only explained 12% of the platelet response to clopidogrel. In the near future, it is highly probable that additional gene variants or epigenetic phenomenon will emerge as significant contributors to clopidogrel response that will allow recommending genetic testing for routine use. The purpose of this review is to discuss the contribution of individual genetic differences responsible for variations of action and clopidogrel efficacy.