How Useful Is Pharmacogenetics?

Before the Human Genome Project was completed

, the physicians had more difficulty in prescribing medicines to their patients. The chances that the medicines will be effective are inaccurate. The medicines that the doctor prescribed to his patients may have three responses: positive, adverse reaction and no response.

But after the completion of the Human Genome Project, the pharmacogenetics has aroused interest from the scientists again. With the knowledge from such scientific study, the physicians may have the best tool in determining the likely response of the human body to a certain medicine. Pharmacogenetics is the scientific study of how the genetic constitution of an individual affects the way in which he metabolizes and responds to drugs. Consequently, the knowledge will have a crucial role in the future of developing drugs and devising healthcare plan amidst the increasing demand and pressure in providing enhanced, more effective and cost-efficient medicines.

In 2009, the Global Biotechnology Report, Ernst and Young has speculated that through the biomarkers to pinpoint hopeful targets straightforward, the custom-tailored medicines will likewise render the early stages of research and development more invaluable. With the genetic test, an individual's DNA is profiled, analyzed and evaluated to determine which medicine formulation will best fit for that person.

The genetic data influences the development of drug as well as the treatment of patient's illnesses. The pharmacogenetics provides solid evidence of functional translational medicine. The importance of this scientific study is truly appreciated in drug development process. So far, there have been a number of companies from pharmaceuticals and bio-technology areas that are investing in this research. Even the FDA and the EMEA recognized the importance of this study in their research.

Pharmacogenomics is appreaciated in the following areas:

1. On the part of the physicians, it provides more understanding of drug response catalog and thus, increases their confidence in a positive effectiveness signal. This premise is certainly significant at the proof-of-concept phase.

2. It can be useful in ascertaining patient sub-population that responds well with the least side-effects to a given commercially-available medicines. As a consequence, it can lead to more efficacious and efficient clinical drug trials, which in turn, can lead to enhanced pipeline productivity.

The safety issues compelled the FDA to issue a recall on some high-profile and expensive medicines from the markets, thereby causing serious loss of revenues and shareholder value for the organizations involved. It could also impact the reputation of an industry, and increases the regulatory focus on the safety of drugs.

3. It produces data that support the cost-efficacy assertion, which can lead to increased uptake and share of market. This premise is significant especially that we are in an era of constrained budget for healthcare, considering that the severe adverse reactions can lead to significant expenses for hospitalizations. There have been some institutions that are studying the potential cost-effectiveness implications of prescribing medicines based on one's genetic constitution.

The Biopharmaceutical industry has certainly expressed their recognition in pharmacogenetics particularly that they will soon pay for the cost-efficient medicines. Thus, it will provide more value to their money.

by: Charles Godbout

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