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Global pharmacogenomics: where is the research taking us?
Catherine Olivier1, Bryn Williams-Jones
1a Bioethics Program, School of Public Health , Université de Montréal , Montréal , QC , Canada.
Global Public Health
|March 4, 2014
Summary
Pharmacogenomics research has largely focused on non-communicable diseases, neglecting areas like infectious diseases. This trend indicates pharmacogenomics has not yet fulfilled its promise to reduce global health inequalities.
Area of Science:
- Genomics and Personalized Medicine
- Drug Development and Pharmacology
Background:
- Pharmacogenomics aims to personalize drug response by integrating genomic data.
- It holds the promise of addressing global health disparities and neglected diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the extent to which pharmacogenomics research has contributed to global health equity.
- To analyze trends in pharmacogenomics research between 1997 and 2010.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative and qualitative analysis of scientific papers indexed in PubMed.
- Literature review covering publications from 1997 to 2010.
Main Results:
- Pharmacogenomics research predominantly focused on cancer, depression, and cardiovascular diseases.
- Limited research addressed orphan diseases, infectious diseases, or maternal health.
- This mirrors the 90/10 ratio in traditional drug development, favoring high-income populations.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacogenomics research has not significantly contributed to reducing global health inequalities.
- The field has largely replicated existing disparities in drug development focus.
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