Ethical perspectives on pharmacogenomic profiling in the drug development process.
Pharmacogenomics, which is a field that encompasses the study of genetic polymorphisms that underlie individual differences in drug response, is rapidly advancing. The potential for the widespread use of pharmacogenomics in the drug development process merits an examination of its fundamental impact on clinical-trial design and practice. This article provides a critical analysis of some of the issues that pertain to pharmacogenomics in the drug development process. In particular, four areas will be discussed: clinical-trial design; subject stratification; some new social risks; and economic concerns. Recommendations are offered for addressing the issues that are discussed and anticipating the regulatory needs for pharmacogenomics-based trials.
Clinical Ethics Center, Memorial Medical Center, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 701 North First Street, Springfield, Illinois 62781-0001, USA. aissa@siumed.edu
Amalia M
AM
Issa
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015195:Drug Design; D004989:Ethics; D023281:Genomics; D006801:Humans; D010597:Pharmacogenetics / Q000191:economics; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012107:Research Design