Genomics and Biomarker Research in Drug Development: Overrated, or a Revolution to Come?

Abstract

At the basic science level, genomics and biomarker research have contributed great strides to our collective scientific knowledge and understanding of biological processes. Some of these research techniques have been applied to the field of drug development, permitting the new branch of pharmacogenomics to take shape. Although such research has promised to usher in an era of personalized medicine by providing unique treatments targeted to specific patient subgroups, progress in the field has been relatively slow thus far. To live up to its potential, researchers in the field must properly understand the inherent limitations of biomarkers, governmental regulations must adapt to changing technologies, and research must target clinically meaningful patient outcomes to make positive contributions to patient care.