The Pharmacogenomics Research Network was originally a National Institutes of Health-funded research network, which funded 10-12 large research groups from 2000 through 2015. This network included the PharmGKB. The network catalyzed a rapid expansion in pharmacogenomics discoveries both nationally and internationally through the conduct of collaborative research focused on the discovery and translation of the genetic determinants of drug response, with the goal of enabling safer and more effective drug therapies.

The PGRN eventually recognized the need to create opportunities for interactions of the broader pharmacogenomics research community, including those who were not funded as part of the PGRN, and so PGRN affiliate membership was created. There was also a desire to share ongoing pharmacogenomics research, which was accomplished through a monthly Research in Progress seminar (RIPS) series.

Through the work of the PGRN and PharmGKB, it was recognized that clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics was being hampered by the lack of evidence-based guidelines, and so in 2009 the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium was founded from within PGRN and PharmGKB.

In 2015, the PGRN moved to a different funding model with fewer research groups funded, but also with a model that more intentionally invited participation of all investigators with an interest in pharmacogenomics research to be part of a network. When the funding for the PGRN Hub ended in 2020, PGRN was renamed the Pharmacogenomics Global Research Network and was officially spun off as a dues-based membership organization.

Origins of Pharmacogenetics