Impact of pharmacogenomics on neglected diseases of the developing world
Pang, T.
American Journal of Pharmacogenomics Genomics-Related Research in Drug Development and Clinical Practice 3(6): 393-398
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1175-2203 PMID: 14672520 DOI: 10.2165/00129785-200303060-00006Document Number: 238914
Pharmacogenomics promises to have an important impact on the major health problems of the developing world, especially on neglected infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Its capacity to identify new targets for drug development, together with its potential application in identifying populations who will respond favorably to a particular drug, gives it a unique place as a technology to bridge the genomics divide between rich and poor nations. To realize its true potential, however, significant scientific, legal, ethical, political, and economic challenges need to be overcome. For this to occur, an innovative global approach based on strong collaboration between industry, academia, non-governmental, and international organizations will be required. Simultaneously, more equitable and active participation from developing country researchers themselves is critical in overcoming these challenges.