Emerging strategies and applications of pharmacogenomics

The rapid pace of genomic science advancements, including the completion of the human genome sequence, the extensive cataloguing of genetic variation and the acceleration of technologies to assess such variation, combined with clinical programmes with rich phenotypic data, serve as the foundation for the design and execution of pharmacogenomic studies which have an impact on the pharmaceutical pipeline from early discovery through to the marketplace. The authors discuss the required infrastructure to support pharmacogenomic studies and provide insight into the strategies and practical application to influence decision making in the pharmaceutical setting. Further, the influence of pharmacogenomics is currently affecting patient care in the oncology area and is highlighted as evident impact in the marketplace.