CYP2C19 polymorphisms account for inter-individual variability of drug metabolism in cynomolgus macaques.

CYP2C19 (formerly known as CYP2C75), highly homologous to human CYP2C19, has been identified in cynomolgus and rhesus macaques, non-human primate species widely used in drug metabolism studies. CYP2C19 is predominantly expressed in liver and encodes a functional drug-metabolizing enzyme. Genetic variants in human CYP2C genes account for the inter-individual variability in drug metabolism; however, genetic variants have not been investigated in macaque CYP2C19.

Monkey liver cytochrome P450 2C19 is involved in R- and S-warfarin 7-hydroxylation.

Cynomolgus monkeys are widely used as primate models in preclinical studies. However, some differences are occasionally seen between monkeys and humans in the activities of cytochrome P450 enzymes. R- and S-warfarin are model substrates for stereoselective oxidation in humans.