Cancer Pharmacogenetics in Industry

Abstract

The pharmaceutical industry is responsible for the identification of potential targets for drug development and the testing of molecules through both preclinical and clinical trials up to a point where they are registered and marketed to healthcare providers. Beyond this, there is continual monitoring of the drugs as they are used in the clinic up to the time of eventual product withdrawal. The potential advantages of the application of pharmacogenetics is becoming increasingly recognised throughout all these life cycle stages, particularly in oncology. In addition to the pharmaceutical industry using pharmacogenetics to improve drug development, there is an increasing requirement for pharmacogenetic data by the Regulatory Authorities, who control the registration of new drugs, and awareness from the payors who control reimbursement of innovative, but expensive, new treatments. This chapter will explore the application and impact of pharmacogenetics on the pharmaceutical industry.