Ethical perspectives on pharmacogenomic profiling in the drug development process

Pharmacogenomics, which is a field that encompasses the study of genetic polymorphisms that underlie individual differences in drug response, is rapidly advancing. The potential for the widespread use of pharmacogenomics in the drug development process merits an examination of its fundamental impact on clinical-trial design and practice. This article provides a critical analysis of some of the issues that pertain to pharmacogenomics in the drug development process. In particular, four areas will be discussed: clinical-trial design; subject stratification; some new social risks; and economic concerns. Recommendations are offered for addressing the issues that are discussed and anticipating the regulatory needs for pharmacogenomics-based trials.