From Gene-Specific Tests to Pharmacogenetics

Abstract

Over the next 3–5 years pharmacogenetics will provide opportunities to enhance the efficacy and tolerability of medicines, accelerated by the ongoing rapid development of a high-density map of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and of high-throughput SNP scoring technologies. It is important that this application of genetic technology is clearly differentiated from genetic tests for monogenic and complex diseases, which are associated with a number of ethical, legal and social implications. The ethical, legal and social issues associated with pharmacogenetics need to be identified and clearly differentiated from those associated with gene-specific tests for disease.