Affiliations: The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy, Tucson, AZ, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Eleanor L. Olvey, PharmD, PhD,
Pharmaceutical Economics, Policy and Outcomes The University of Arizona College
of Pharmacy 1295 N. Martin Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA. E-mail: olvey@pharmacy.arizona.edu
Abstract: Pharmacogenomics (PGx) has been recognized as a possible leader down
the path of personalized medicine in the 21st
century. While this field has been burgeoning, particularly after the
completion of the sequencing of the human genome in 2001, the diffusion of this
technology into clinical practice has been limited. Interest groups, including
industry, payers, providers and patients, have a variety of concerns regarding
the utilization of this technology. However, all groups have voiced concerns
over possible economic impacts, with different concerns based on the
perspective. In order to clear the proverbial 'fourth hurdle', the use of PGx
will have to prove not only to possess clear clinical utility, but positive or
neutral economic consequences. The role health services researchers can play in
facilitating research not only in economics, but also in clinical effectiveness
and epidemiology, is critical. Public and private entities have begun taking
steps towards guidance for use of this technology and the facilitation of
communication and research across entities. A larger, robust evidence base will
hopefully allow interest groups to make clear assessments as to the overall
impact and utility of PGx.
