Learning from the past and looking to the future.
OBJECTIVE
Leaders in the fields of nutrigenomics/genetics can benefit from studying the ethical and social issues raised by comparable biomedical developments in the recent past and their consequences for science and society.


METHODS
Experience with recombinant DNA research, beginning in the early 1970s, and its commercial application, and with pharamacogenetics/genomics, beginning two decades later, is analyzed.


RESULTS
Particular lessons are drawn from both experiences. As to the first, the conclusions are to encourage open discussion among scientists of the possible negative or risky consequences of their research; not to conduct such discussions behind closed doors, so as to involve rather than to surprise the public; and to keep in mind the international characteristics of science but the domestic nature of the manner in which it is regulated. As to the second, the lessons are to beware of hype, avoid genetic determinism, take account of the problems raised by similarities to traditional genetic screening/testing, overcome the medical system's lack of preparation to use the new information, and recognize that differences in access may exacerbate inequities in health and health care.


CONCLUSIONS
Awareness of these problems, which are likely to recur, can at least prepare those working in the field.
Capron
Alexander M
AM
Scott H. Bice Chair in Healthcare Law, Policy and Ethics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif. 90089-0071, USA. acapron@law.usc.edu
D004274:DNA, Recombinant / Q000266:history; D004501:Education, Medical; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000266:history; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D054647:Nutrigenomics / Q000193:education / Q000941:ethics / Q000266:history* / Q000639:trends; D010597:Pharmacogenetics / Q000266:history
D004274:DNA, Recombinant