Pharmacogenomics and Public Health

The use of pharmacogenomic testing to improve the safety and efficacy of drug treatment represents a promising potential benefit of genomic research. Yet, the limited predictive value of many proposed pharmacogenomic tests and the uncertainty of their clinical utility make it difficult to forecast the public health impact of pharmacogenomics. It is essential, however, that relevant scientific, social, and policy issues are addressed to optimize the potential benefits to patients and the public's health. These include careful consideration of incentives - such as research funding, partnership development, and reimbursement mechanisms - and regulatory oversight. The needs and expectations of both clinicians and patients must be identified, and the potential for unanticipated consequences must be considered. Pharmacogenomics and Public Health illustrates the wide range of scientific, ethical and social issues to be considered as the field develops. With its broad, multidisciplinary perspective it provides researchers, policy makers, and health care leaders with important information on an emerging technology that they will be called upon to evaluate either now or in the near future.