Implications of pharmacogenomics for drug development.

The use of pharmacogenomics (PGx) today is almost ubiquitous in drug development and is advancing into the practice of medicine as an increasing number of drugs come to market with indications that are related to the presence or absence of a specific genetic biomarker. The authors review the history of PGx and its tools in research, in clinical trials and in clinical medicine. The economic, regulatory, and technological driving forces for adoption of PGx are then considered. Current impediments to a more robust proliferation of the benefits of these technologies are discussed-pharmaceutical companies, clinical education, required statistical methods, and intellectual property landscape.