GMO Medicines and hospital pharmacy practice: a review

AbstractResearch into gene therapy and genetically modified organism (GMO) medicines is intensifying. Whilst there are only a small number of GMO medicines which have successfully reached registration, Australian hospital pharmacy departments may find themselves in a position where they are required to handle, prepare and dispense this emerging class of therapy in a clinical trial setting. This article explores current literature concerning the management of GMO medicines in a hospital setting. Currently, the bulk of GMO medicines employ the use of viral vectors to deliver therapeutic genetic material into patients. The use of biohazardous agents such as viral vectors presents a new set of safety risks to both patients and pharmacy staff. Pharmacists need to be aware of the safety risks surrounding the use of GMO medicines and implement procedures to handle these medicines safely. Further, pharmacists will need to be familiar with the Gene Technology Act 2000 in addition to the state and federal regulations governing the use of medicines in Australia.