Final answer:
The altered version of a drug after biotransformation occurs is known as metabolites. These are produced through biochemical processes in the body and their activity, efficacy, and toxicity may be influenced by genetic variations in the population, a consideration of significant importance in the field of pharmacogenomics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Metabolites and Biotransformation
When a drug undergoes biotransformation in the body, it results in the creation of altered versions of the drug known as metabolites. These metabolites are the outcome of various biochemical processes within the body, primarily through the liver's enzymes, which include Phase I reactions such as oxidation, reduction, and hydrolysis, followed by Phase II reactions like conjugation. The alteration of drugs not only changes their chemical structure but can also modify their activity, efficacy, and toxicity.
It is essential, especially in the field of pharmacogenomics, to understand how genetic variation may influence individual responses to these metabolites, as different populations may exhibit polymorphisms affecting enzyme activity, specifically cytochrome P450 enzymes like CYP3A4, CYP2D6, or CYP2C19. These variations can lead to differences in the metabolism of drugs, affecting the drugs' efficacy and safety. Identifying and quantifying metabolites through bioanalytical techniques is critical in the non-clinical development phase to ensure drug safety and efficacy.