What is Pharmacogenetics?

Pharmacogenetics is the study of how our genetic make-up affects the way in which we metabolise and respond to drugs. As a result, it is expected to play a key role in the future of drug development and healthcare delivery as the industry faces increasing pressure to replenish its pipeline, improve drug safety, and deliver cost-effective medicines. In its 2009 Global Biotechnology Report, Ernst & Young has speculated that with ?the use of biomarkers to identify promising targets upfront, personalised medicine will also make early stages of the value chain ? research and early development ? more valuable? .

By using genetic data to influence drug development and patient treatment, pharmacogenetics is an example of translational medicine in action - the movement of science from the bench to the bedside.

^{There is an increasing appreciation of the importance of pharmacogenetics in the drug development process, as evidenced by the level of investment in it by companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Key players are, via collaboration and M&A activity, ensuring that they have access to the expertise needed. In addition, the FDA and the EMEA have recognised its importance in their Critical Path Initiative and Road Map respectively - http://www.fda.gov/ScienceResearch/SpecialTopics/CriticalPathInitiative, http://www.ema.europa.eu}

^{The growing number of genetic discoveries can only enhance this potential.}

By combining its access to genetic expertise with strategic advice on the application of pharmacogenetics in drug development, London Genetics can help companies meet this need for smarter, faster and safer drug development. Pharmacogenetics is part of the drug development puzzle.