Unveiling the guidance heterogeneity for genome-informed drug treatment interventions among regulatory bodies and research consortia

Pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine interventions hold promise to optimize drug treatment modalities and hence, improve the quality of life of the patients by minimizing the occurrence of adverse drug reactions and/or maximizing drug treatment efficacy. To this end, proper guidance for accurately prescribing the correct drug at the right dose is empowered by major regulatory bodies, namely the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicine Agency (EMA), and well-recognized research consortia, like the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC), that propose therapeutic recommendations after the thorough evaluation of the existing scientific evidence base. In this context, the consistency of these recommendations is crucial for smoothly integrating pharmacogenomics into the clinic. Here, we collected all of the important and clinically actionable pharmacogenomics information provided by the aforementioned renowned sources and documented it in order to assess potential similarities and, most importantly, differences. Our data show that the level of concordance regarding the guidance provided for the same drug-gene association pairs varies significantly, despite the fact that it all derives from a single evidence base. In particular, apart from the expected similarities in a number of association pairs, especially the ones related to cancer genomics, there are still major discrepancies that create confusion as to which guidance should be followed in order to properly inform drug prescribing. This regulatory deficiency calls for the fruitful engagement of the regulatory agencies involved with the contribution of other experts engaged in the field of pharmacogenomics in an effort to harmonize the existing arsenal of guidance for genome-informed drug prescription. The achievement of harmonization would in turn expedite bringing personalized medicine closer to clinical fruition.

Pharmacogenetics in Pain Treatment

Pain is an unpleasant feeling usually resulting from tissue damage that can persist along weeks, months, or even years after the injury, turning into pathological chronic pain, the leading cause of disability. Currently, pharmacology interventions are usually the first-line therapy but there is a highly variable analgesic drug response. Pharmacogenetics (PGx) offers a means to identify genetic biomarkers that can predict individual analgesic response opening doors to precision medicine. PGx analyze the way in which the presence of variations in the DNA sequence (single-nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) could be responsible for portions of the population reaching different levels of pain relief (phenotype) due to gene interference in the drug mechanism of action (pharmacodynamics) and/or its concentration at the place of action (pharmacokinetics). SNPs in the cytochrome P450 enzymes genes (CYP2D6) influence metabolism of codeine, tramadol, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and tricyclic antidepressants. Blood concentrations of some NSAIDs depend on CYP2C9 and/or CYP2C8 activity. Additional candidate genes encode for opioid receptors, transporters, and other molecules important for pharmacotherapy in pain management. However, PGx studies are often contradictory, slowing the uptake of this information. This is likely due, in large part, to a lack of robust evidence demonstrating clinical utility and to its polygenic response modulated by other exogenous or epigenetics factors. Novel therapies, including targeting of epigenetic changes and gene therapy-based approaches, broaden future options to improve understanding of pain and the treatment of people who suffer it.

The Ethical, Legal and Regulatory Issues Associated with Pharmacogenomics: Systematically Quantifying the Literature

Since the human genome was successfully mapped much academic attention has been given to ethical, legal and regulatory issues associated with the integration and application of genomics in health care. In line with the recent political commitment to promoting precision medicine that relies heavily on omic knowledge, it is timely to review the issues that this body of literature has addressed. Focusing on pharmacogenomics, this review quantifies the issues identified in this body of academic work. It reveals that, after nearly two decades, interest in the regulatory and legal issues associated with pharmacogenomics continues to generate significant attention. The ethical issues, while not as predominant, also persist. The analyses highlights that there is a dearth of empirical research exploring the impact that these issues have had.

The integration and interpretation of pharmacogenomics - a comparative study between the United States of America and Europe: towards better health care

The study of pharmacogenomics has, by harnessing sequence information from human genomes, the potential to lead to novel approaches in drug discovery, an individualized application of drug therapy, and new insights into disease prevention. For this potential to be realized results need to be interpreted to the prescriber into a format which dictates an action. This mini review briefly describes the history, the regulatory environment, opinions towards, and implementation, integration and interpretation of pharmacogenomics in the United States of America and Europe. The article discusses also how interpretation of pharmacogenomics could move forward to better implementation in health care.

Pharmacogenomics: history, barriers, and regulatory solutions

Pharmacogenomics is the branch of pharmacology which looks at the influence of genetic variation on drug response, connecting particular genetic markers with the effectiveness or safety of a drug. Pharmacogenomic products promise to improve medical treatment, lower health care costs, and make the new drug pipeline for FDA approval more efficient. In the last fifteen years, the FDA has approved pharmacogenomic drugs to treat a variety of cancers, HIV-AIDS, and coronary artery disease. Yet, progress in the field of pharmacogenomics has lagged behind the optimistic predictions of many researchers and policymakers. A lack of clear regulatory guidance dealing with pharmacogenomic products has been a major barrier to progress in the field. The FDA has, however, made some headway. In a series of guidance documents released between 2005 and 2011, the FDA has clarified much of its policy with respect to the development, approval, and labeling of pharmacogenomic products. Despite these efforts, many regulatory questions remain unanswered. This paper highlights a number of these regulatory gaps and provides recommendations to address them in a way which encourages increased development and clinical uptake of pharmacogenomic products.

The triad of success in personalised medicine: pharmacogenomics, biotechnology and regulatory issues from a Central European perspective

The population of the world has recently passed the 7 billion milestone and as the cost of human genome sequencing is rapidly declining, sequence data of billions of people should be accessible much sooner than anyone would have predicted 10 years ago. This will form the basis of personalised medicine. However it is still not clear, even in principle, whether these data, combined with data of the expression of one's genome in various cells and tissues relevant to different diseases, could be used effectively in clinical medicine and healthcare, or in predicting responses to different therapies. Therefore this is an important issue which needs to be addressed before more resources are wasted on less than informative studies and surveys simply because technologies exist. As a typical example, we have selected and summarise here key studies from the biomedical literature that focus on gene expression profiling of the response to biologic therapies in peripheral blood and biopsy samples in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondylarthropathy, inflammatory bowel diseases and psoriasis. We also present the state of the biotechnology market from a European perspective, discuss how spin-offs leverage the power of genomic technologies and describe how they might contribute to personalised medicine. As ethical, legal and social issues are essential in the area of genomics, we analysed these aspects and present here the European situation with a special focus on Hungary. We propose that the synergy of these three issues: pharmacogenomics, biotechnology and regulatory issues should be considered a triad necessary to succeed in personalised medicine.

Regulatory approval for new pharmacogenomic tests: a comparative overview

Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genetic variants affect the way in which an individual or subgroup responds to drugs. This developing field aims to inform individual drug therapy and to minimize adverse drug reactions (ADRs). It also promises great benefits in the drug development process. Innovation in pharmacogenomics and its translation into clinical practice is desirable, but appropriate regulation of the safety and effectiveness of pharmacogenomics testing is necessary. This article will describe the current regulatory framework applicable to pharmacogenomic tests in Canada, the United States and Europe. In particular, it will examine the different regulatory pathways for pharmacogenomic tests marketed as test kits and for laboratory-developed tests (LDTs). Recent and upcoming changes to the regulation of pharmacogenomic tests will also be discussed. For example, FDA's proposal to regulate LDTs could have a major impact on the development and availability of pharmacogenomic tests. This review will lead to an evaluation of the issues raised by the regulatory framework and the impact of regulatory changes in relation to meeting the goals of ensuring public safety and promoting the advancement of pharmacogenomics. Regulatory policies which successfully achieve the dual objectives of ensuring public safety and promoting innovation in health technology are imperative in order to reap the benefits of this emerging field.

Hepatitis C pharmacogenetics: state of the art in 2010

In 2009, a correlated set of polymorphisms in the region of the interleukin-28B (IL28B) gene were associated with clearance of genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients treated with pegylated interferon-alfa and ribavirin. The same polymorphisms were subsequently associated with spontaneous clearance of HCV in untreated patients. The link between IL28B genotype and HCV clearance may impact decisions regarding initiation of current therapy, the design and interpretation of clinical studies, the economics of treatment, and the process of regulatory approval for new anti-HCV therapeutic agents.

[Pharmacogenomics in clinical trials]

Studies of the relationship between variations in DNA or RNA characteristics and drug response are yielding important advances, boosted by continuous improvements and decreasing costs of the techniques for large-scale analysis of genes and proteins. This is increasing current capabilities to discover new drugs and therapeutic targets, establish early and differential diagnosis of disease, and optimize the use of existing medicines. As Personalised Medicine continues to develop, the question arises as to when biomarkers and genomics should best be incorporated into the drug development process.

Personalized medicine and rescuing "unsafe" drugs with pharmacogenomics: a regulatory perspective

The sequencing of the human genome and the revolution it has caused in biomedical science created hope for a new era in the prevention and treatment of serious illnesses. In the area of drug development, much of this hope is focused in the field of pharmacogenomics (PGx), which is the study of how individual genetic differences affect drug response. Many people expected advances in pharmacogenomics to lead to the rapid development of new "personalized medicines," where drugs and dosages could be tailored specifically to a patient's genotype. However, pharmacogenomics has largely failed to meet these expectations and the Food and Drug Administration has only approved a handful of drugs that rely on PGx data. This article evaluates how FDA regulates the use of pharmacogenomics and discusses how the current regulatory scheme fails to provide an adequate route for developing personalized medicine. The article then proposes modifying the current regulatory regime to encourage development of PGx-based drugs by either allowing PGx-based drugs to be approved with unvalidated biomarkers if the sponsor commits to Phase IV studies or using the Orphan Drug Act to provide economic incentives.

Prometheus and Bilski: pushing the bounds of patentable subject matter in medical diagnostic techniques with the machine-or-transformation test

If nature has made any one thing less susceptible than all others of exclusive property, it is the action of the thinking power called an idea, which an individual may exclusively possess as long as he keeps it to himself; but the moment it is divulged, it forces itself into the possession of every one, and the receiver cannot dispossess himself of it.

An ethical and legal overview of pharmacogenomics: perspectives and issues

Pharmacogenomics, a field of study at the interface of the disciplines of genomics and pharmacology, strives to understand the interaction between genes and the response to therapeutics. Its introduction into clinical research trials and medical practice promises to optimize the effectiveness of medications, reduce the adverse effects experienced by patients, and improve the research and development of new therapeutics. However, while pharmacogenomics promises tremendous health benefits it is still crucial to critically analyze the ethical, social and legal issues surrounding these developments. First, we present the numerous potential benefits ofpharmacogenomics. Then, using a thorough review of relevant jurisprudence, policies and literature, the main ethical, social and legal issues associated with pharmacogenomics will be identified. The likely new responsibilities for health care professionals and pharmaceutical companies as a result of pharmacogenomic development will also be discussed.

[Pharmacogenetic testing: soon before every prescription?]

Genetic polymorphisms have currently been described in more than 200 systems affecting pharmacological responses (cytochromes P450, conjugation enzymes, transporters, receptors, effectors of response, protection mechanisms, determinants of immunity). Pharmacogenetic testing, i.e. the profiling of individual patients for such variations, is about to become largely available. Recent progress in the pharmacogenetics of tamoxifen, oral anticoagulants and anti-HIV agents is reviewed to discuss critically their potential impact on prescription and contribution/limits for improving rational and safe use of pharmaceuticals. Prospective controlled trials are required to evaluate large-scale pharmacogenetic testing in therapeutics. Ethical, social and psychological issues deserve particular attention.

Demanding individually safe drugs today: overcoming the cross-labeling legal hurdle to pharmacogenomics

What if physicians could use genetic tests to tailor prescriptions to their patients’ individual genotypes? Physicians and pharmaceutical companies can use pharmacogenomics to decrease the number of adverse drug reactions, increase drug efficacy, and lower health care costs. Unfortunately, crosslabeling rules serve as both legal and policy hurdles for these advances, hurdles the FDA has the power to remove. Part I explains pharmacogenomics and why it currently has a narrow application. Part II discusses the FDA's regulatory approach to pharmacogenomics. Part III explains the legal and policy hurdles of cross-labeling and how they impede the more widespread use of pharmacogenomics. Part IV examines ways to clear the legal crosslabeling hurdles while Part V examines ways to clear the policy cross-labeling hurdles. Finally, Part VI discusses some of the many other complex legal and policy issues that lawmakers, regulators, and the industry will need to resolve in order to realize the full potential of pharmacogenomics.

Pharmacogenetics: a new challenge for health law

Developments in pharmacogenetics make it possible to determine the genetic factors that influence variations in response to medicine. Differences in response to medication may be related to the genetic characteristics of the individual, to the genetic make-up of the diseased tissue or to both. Advantages include optimal therapeutic effect, safe medication, minimised side-effects, and development of medication for small groups of patients. Strict adherence to patients' rights and to the medical professional standard must prevent negative effects of pharmacogenetics on individual rights, notably the right (not) to know, to privacy and informed consent. Use of pharmacogenetics by third parties for non-health related purposes may bring about a disproportionate intrusion of the privacy of an individual; it may result in barriers for accessing primary social goods, and it may be a disincentive for the individual to have a pharmacogenetic analysis performed for individual health care purposes or to participate in a drug trial. Medical examinations before employment must be justified by the health requirements unavoidably inherent to the job (their objective being the protection of health and not the financial interests of the employer). In a system that relies on private insurance for having access to primary social goods (health, disability--and life insurance), the use and the outcome of a pharmacogenetic analysis for the purpose of differentiation between insurance candidates on the basis of their "risk-profile" must be restricted; where appropriate measures should take into account justified interests of the insurance company to prevent adverse selection. Current measures in several European countries are not effective enough to meet the concerns specifically inherent to pahrmacogenetics. Human rights principles must be at the basis of national and European policies for providing adequate protection against disproportionate intrusion into private life, for guaranteeing equity in access to health care and accessibility of other primary social goods.

Translation of pharmacogenetics into clinically relevant testing modalities

Pharmacogenetics (PGx) relies on the genetic makeup of an individual to predict drug response and efficacy, as well as potential adverse drug events. Significant advances in PGx research have been made since inherited differences in response to such drugs as isoniazid and succinylcholine were explored in the 1950s, and the clinical utility and application of PGx are especially apparent in some subspecialty areas of chemotherapeutic, psychotropic drug, and anticoagulant therapies.

Molecular Medicine: How, What, and When?

Integrating molecular medicine into clinical practice will create many challenges. But the existing genetic testing paradigm may not be the right model for introducing these new technologies.

The Emerging Role of Pharmacogenomics in Biologics

Biologics can be seen as "designer" drugs whose mode of action in a specific disease mechanism is frequently well understood, making it often possible to predict better efficacy and safety profiles for biologics when compared with small molecule drugs. Biologics have been approved for the treatment of major disease classes, such as inflammatory disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. However, as it is true for small molecule drugs, often only a fraction of the treated population responds to biologics, and clinical markers for prediction of efficacy are seldom available. It is reasonable to expect that the use of genetic or genomic markers will contribute to improving the prediction of safety and efficacy of both biologics and small molecule drugs. In this paper, we will review the differences between biologics and small molecule drugs, focusing on studies highlighting the relevance of genetic and genomic information on safety and efficacy issues in therapies with biologics. The potential impact of these studies on the promotion of personalized medicine and on regulatory decisions will also be discussed.

Finding a liability-free space in which personalized medicine can bloom

Personalized medicine uses genetic and other screening tests to predict a patient's response to specific drug and biologic therapies (together "drugs"), with the aim of choosing a treatment that will provide benefits while avoiding drug-related harms. There are two schools of thought on how tort liability may affect personalized medicine, i.e., whether fear of lawsuits will tend to accelerate progress or slow it down. Tort suits include product liability suits against manufacturers and negligence suits against physicians and other providers of health-related services.

Integrating molecular medicine into the US health-care system: opportunities, barriers, and policy challenges

Scientific support about the concept of using molecular data for risk stratification and tailoring health-care interventions to the individual--a strategy broadly defined as molecular medicine (MM)--is accumulating. Molecular-based health-care technologies are beginning to enter clinical practice, but their use has revealed many scientific, economic, and organizational barriers to the effective delivery of targeted health care. We conducted a qualitative interview study to describe the MM landscape, with an emphasis on eliciting policy recommendations for the field from a broad range of stakeholders in MM and health care. Molecular medicine has widespread support but will require changes in how molecular-based technologies are evaluated, how health care is financed and delivered, and how clinicians and consumers are trained and prepared for its use. In particular, researchers and developers need to become active participants in a variety of clinical integration strategies to realize the promise of MM.

Implementing the U.S. FDA guidance on pharmacogenomic data submissions

The FDA Guidance for Industry: Pharmacogenomics Data Submissions was issued in 2005. This guidance document covers a broad area associated with how and when to submit genomic data to the FDA. Additional tasks associated with genomic data submissions include the implementation of genomic data submissions; the process for qualification of exploratory biomarkers into valid biomarkers; and technical recommendations for the generation and submission of genomic data to the FDA. These tasks have been addressed throughout the past 2 years by a number of initiatives. These initiatives have included the development of the Interdisciplinary Pharmacogenomics Review Group for review of pharmacogenomic data submissions, the pilot process for qualification of biomarkers, and the concept paper on recommendations for the generation and submission of genomic data. These initiatives have contributed to the effective implementation of the Pharmacogenomics Guidance at the FDA.

Ancillary risk information and pharmacogenetic tests: social and policy implications

Some pharmacogenetic tests may provide ancillary disease risk information. To evaluate evidence and assess the social and policy implications of ancillary disease risk information associated with candidate pharmacogenetic variants, We conducted a literature search and abstract review of disease susceptibility studies for each of 42 gene variants potentially associated with drug response. Twenty-two variants (53%) had suggested association with disease risk in at least two studies, and sixteen (38%) were for diseases other than the pharmacogenetic indication. Seven variants (16%) were associated with risk for at least two different diseases. Pharmacogenetic tests have the potential to provide ancillary disease risk information, and this potential should be considered as pharmacogenetic tests are brought into clinical use. Implications will vary with each test but tests should be evaluated individually within a framework that outlines the potential implications of ancillary information.

Should pharmacogenomic studies be required for new drug approval?

The field of pharmacogenetics has existed since the 1950s, when it was demonstrated that some drug effects could differ substantially among race and ethnic groups, and that some drug metabolizing enzyme activities were inherited. During the 1990s, application of molecular biology to the study of inherited drug-related phenotypes proved the genetic basis of several genetic polymorphisms. Genomic technology has now demonstrated that germline genetic variability among humans is extremely common. The combined weight of proven examples whereby pharmacogenetics affects drugs, and the possibility of even more examples being elucidated in the coming decades, dictates that pharmacogenetics be incorporated into the drug approval process. It is our contention that minimal pharmacogenetic testing should be required for all new drug applications to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This would include a requirement for germline DNA to be prospectively collected from all subjects participating in preapproval clinical trials. For drugs that are metabolized by enzymes whose genes have clearly inactivating polymorphisms, clinical trial participants should be genotyped for those polymorphisms.

Pharmacogenomics and its implications for autoimmune disease

A striking failure of modern medicine is the debilitating and lethal consequences of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) which rank as one of the top ten leading causes of death and illness in the developed world with direct medical costs of 137-177 billion US dollars annually in the USA. Although many factors influence the effect of medications (i.e. age, organ function, drug interactions), genetic factors account for 20-95% of drug response variability and play a significant role in the incidence and severity of ADRs. The field of pharmacogenomics seeks to identify genetic factors responsible for individual differences in drug efficacy and adverse drug reactions. Pharmacogenomics has led to several genetic tests that provide clinical dosing recommendations. For autoimmune disease, pharmacogenomics has led to several DNA-based tests to improve drug selection, optimize dosing, and minimize the risk of toxicity. The 'GATC' project is a nation-wide project established in Canada to identify novel predictive genomic markers of severe ADRs in children. An ADR surveillance network has been established in all of Canada's major children's hospitals, serving up to 75% of all Canadian children. The goal of the project is to identify patients experiencing specific ADRs, collect DNA samples, and apply genomics-based technologies to identify ADR-associated genetic markers.

Regulatory perspectives on pharmacogenomics: a review of the literature on key issues faced by the United States Food and Drug Administration

Pharmacogenomics (PGx), the use of genetic information to individualize drug therapy, is an immediate and important application of the Human Genome Project. The advent of PGx presents challenges to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in pursuing its mandate of protecting public health and safety. The authors conducted a review of academic, industry, and government literature using a technology diffusion framework to identify issues faced by the FDA relevant to the application of PGx. Two hundred and ten articles were reviewed. Key issues were categorized as rationale and structure for PGx regulation, regulation of PGx-based testing technologies, regulation of applications in clinical settings, regulation of data, and regulation of product life cycles. This review identifies issues faced by the FDA with respect to PGx, which the FDA is addressing through several initiatives. It also illustrates the complex issues involved in developing, implementing, and adopting new technologies.

Pharmacogenomics and its potential impact on drug and formulation development

Recent advances in genomic research have provided the basis for new insights into the importance of genetic and genomic markers during the different stages of drug development. A new field of research, pharmacogenomics, which studies the relationship between drug effects and the genome, has emerged. Structural pharmacogenomics maps the complete DNA sequences of whole genomes (genotypes) including individual variations, and functional pharmacogenomics assesses the expression levels of thousands of genes in one single experiment. Together, these two areas of pharmacogenomics have generated massive databases, which have become a challenge for the research field of informatics and have fostered a new branch of research, bioinformatics. If skillfully used, the databases generated by pharmacogenomics together with data mining on the Web promise to improve the drug development process in a variety of areas: identification of drug targets, evaluation of toxicity, classification of diseases, evaluation of formulations, assessment of drug response and treatment, post-marketing applications, and development of personalized medicines.

Pharmacogenetics in drug regulation: promise, potential and pitfalls

Pharmacogenetic factors operate at pharmacokinetic as well as pharmacodynamic levels-the two components of the dose-response curve of a drug. Polymorphisms in drug metabolizing enzymes, transporters and/or pharmacological targets of drugs may profoundly influence the dose-response relationship between individuals. For some drugs, although retrospective data from case studies suggests that these polymorphisms are frequently associated with adverse drug reactions or failure of efficacy, the clinical utility of such data remains unproven. There is, therefore, an urgent need for prospective data to determine whether pre-treatment genotyping can improve therapy. Various regulatory guidelines already recommend exploration of the role of genetic factors when investigating a drug for its pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, dose-response relationship and drug interaction potential. Arising from the global heterogeneity in the frequency of variant alleles, regulatory guidelines also require the sponsors to provide additional information, usually pharmacogenetic bridging data, to determine whether data from one ethnic population can be extrapolated to another. At present, sponsors explore pharmacogenetic influences in early clinical pharmacokinetic studies but rarely do they carry the findings forward when designing dose-response studies or pivotal studies. When appropriate, regulatory authorities include genotype-specific recommendations in the prescribing information. Sometimes, this may include the need to adjust a dose in some genotypes under specific circumstances. Detailed references to pharmacogenetics in prescribing information and pharmacogenetically based prescribing in routine therapeutics will require robust prospective data from well-designed studies. With greater integration of pharmacogenetics in drug development, regulatory authorities expect to receive more detailed genetic data. This is likely to complicate the drug evaluation process as well as result in complex prescribing information. Genotype-specific dosing regimens will have to be more precise and marketing strategies more prudent. However, not all variations in drug responses are related to pharmacogenetic polymorphisms. Drug response can be modulated by a number of non-genetic factors, especially co-medications and presence of concurrent diseases. Inappropriate prescribing frequently compounds the complexity introduced by these two important non-genetic factors. Unless prescribers adhere to the prescribing information, much of the benefits of pharmacogenetics will be squandered. Discovering highly predictive genotype-phenotype associations during drug development and demonstrating their clinical validity and utility in well-designed prospective clinical trials will no doubt better define the role of pharmacogenetics in future clinical practice. In the meantime, prescribing should comply with the information provided while pharmacogenetic research is deservedly supported by all concerned but without unrealistic expectations.

Priorities and standards in pharmacogenetic research

The current enthusiasm for pharmacogenetics draws much of its inspiration from the relatively few examples of polymorphisms that have marked and seemingly clinically relevant effects on drug response. In this regard, pharmacogenetic research has paralleled the study of human disease, which has enjoyed success in identifying mutations underlying mendelian conditions. Progress in deciphering the genetics of complex diseases, involving the interaction of multiple genes with each other and with the environment has been considerably less successful. In most instances, drug responses will probably also prove to be complex, influenced by both the environment and multiple genetic factors. For pharmacogenetics to deliver on its potential, this complexity will need to be recognized and accommodated, both in basic research and in clinical application of pharmacogenetics. As the attention of researchers begins to shift toward more systematic pharmacogenetic investigations, we suggest some priorities and standards for pharmacogenetic research.

The impact of FDA guidance on pharmacogenomic data submissions on drug development

After a long wait, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finally released the much anticipated 'Guidance on Pharmacogenomic Data Submissions on Drug Development' in March 2005, but what impact will this have on the drug industry as a whole? It is becoming increasingly apparent that the field of pharmacogenomics can add value to both clinical trial design and the drug development process, but uptake by the pharmaceutical industry has so far been variable between companies. The opinion of the FDA is that the use of pharmacogenomics in drug development is a 'good thing' and one that it wishes to promote, hence, this new guidance is designed to assist drug companies to adopt pharmacogenomic technology in clinical development, and covers both targeted and exploratory aspects. While targeted pharmacogenomics must be included as part of any regulatory submission, exploratory approaches may be submitted voluntarily with assurances from the FDA that any such submissions will not be used to make regulatory decisions. With this regulatory framework now in place it is only a matter of time before it is known how the industry reacts and the impact it will have on drug development.

Reprogenetics and pharmacogenetics: in whose best interests?

Reprogenetics involves embryonic pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, provoking controversy over the creation of saviour siblings, eugenics and genetic enhancement. It will soon ascertain pharmacogenetic susceptibilities. Pharmacogenetics impacts upon public health initiatives underpinned by resource allocation constraints in that genetic epidemiological studies assist in administering health care resources and public health strategies. Knowing how likely sections of the population are to develop specific medical conditions so that lifestyle and environmental factors influencing these conditions can be targeted has the potential to save public money and improve public health. Aligning population groups with genetic susceptibilities with specific medications would enable cost-effective prescribing. Reprogenetics and pharmacogenetics also possess great commercial potential for nation states and biotechnology companies. Hence ethical legal safeguards for members of the public whose reproductive or genetic tissue is a research or health care resource are essential. Both legal measures such as informed consent and mechanisms for including the public in policy decisions over reprogenetics and pharmacogenetics must be rethought to ensure that they provide protection rather than function as rubber stamps which preclude deeper inquiry into justifications of projects.