Pharmacogenetics and public policy: expert views in Europe and North America.

The new genetics is stimulating the development of genetic testing of patients to help choose the best drug, adjust doses and avoid side effects. Proponents say that this personalized medicine will revolutionize drug development and healthcare. In a series of group meetings, 48 leading experts from regulatory agencies, industry, academia and consumer interests gave their opinions on the public policy priorities. Most believed that pharmacogenetics would have a clear impact on care within 15 years and that a public policy response was needed. The establishment of a good clinical evidence base should be a priority, together with addressing the needs of drug response gene minorities. A total of 72% also believed that postmarketing surveillance systems should be collecting DNA from patients experiencing moderate or severe adverse events.