|
|
 |
The Impact of Systems Biology on the Pharmacogenomics Revolution
Volume 4, Issue 3
Authors:
Anna Bartow Laakmann, Lankenau Institute for Medical
Research
Abstract:
Pharmaceutical companies have embraced pharmacogenomics in drug development to increase the
efficiency of clinical trials and to improve treatment outcomes. While pharmacogenomics targets gene
products known to be associated with particular illnesses, its potential is hampered by a too narrow focus
on disease states which result from highly complex, multifactorial processes. Systems biology seeks to
overcome this limitation by adopting a more holistic approach to understanding the molecular basis of
disease. This article focuses on: (i) providing an overview of the pharmacogenomics approach to drug
discovery though examining the potential and pitfalls of genomics-based research; (ii) explaining systems
biology and discussing how systems biologists aim to integrate genomics into a more comprehensive,
interdisciplinary endeavor to find new targets for drug development; and (iii) outlining ethical, legal, and
social concerns raised by pharmacogenomics and the ways in which systems biology may transform these
issues. Anna Bartow Laakmann argues that a new analytical framework is not necessary to examine
systems biology because the issues raised are similar to those posed by pharmacogenomics. Laakmann
finds that while the systems biology approach will add new complexity to current thinking about the
impact of genomics on the pharmaceutical industry, FDA drug regulation, and the practice of medicine, it
also holds the potential to bring to fruition the possibilities engendered by the sequencing of the human
genome.
Full Text (PDF)
|
|
