Briefly discuss what is the field of pharmacogenomics and ho

Briefly discuss what is the field of pharmacogenomics and how it could contribute to the development of better drugs for the treatment of diseases. (about half a page) including references.

Solution

Pharmacogenomics can be defined as the technology that studies how the genetic makeup of an individual affects his/her response to the particular drugs. Genetic variations (acquired as well as inherited) in different individuals can cause different response for a particular drug. Pharmacogenomics deals with the effects of multiple genes on drug response. Based on individual\'s genetic make up, the doctor can give a precise and personalised medicine

How it could contribute to the development of better drugs for the treatment of diseases?

Pharmocogenomics helps to discover potential therapies more easily using genome targets. Further the drug approval process should be simplified as trials are aimed for specific genetic population groups which has the particular gene/ genome target and thus ensuring greater degrees of success. The cost and adverse drug reaction to a drug in the clinical trials will be reduced by targeting only those people capable of responding to a drug.