Current Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine (Formerly Current Pharmacogenomics) - Volume 11, Issue 4, 2013

This article examines the emerging discipline of food genomics to probe the nature and transmission mechanism of epigenetic changes to the genome related to nutrition, and its impact on policy specifically, and the ethics in 21st century human societies more broadly. The overarching aim is to make recommendations for global health policy that will benefit from advances in personalized genomics knowledge in the context Read More

There is an increasing number of genomic research studies occurring in African countries, as well as recently enacted funding mechanisms to build capacity to conduct genomic research in Africa. While there is extensive literature and debate about the various national and international laws and policies related to genomic research in general, most discussions focus on developed and high-income countries. Genomic research, ho Read More

Sequencing the human genome, more than a decade ago, initiated the genomics era and the promise of truly personalized medicine. However, much is still unknown about the genetic factors that affect drug efficacy and toxicity, and there are currently very few clinically useful pharmacogenetic tests available. Of these, even fewer are potentially of benefit to developing countries in Africa because pharmacogen Read More

The current drug development framework grants the innovator companies the opportunity to market a new drug exclusively for a defined time period under patent protection. After the patent protection period ends, other companies are permitted to produce their own generic version provided they meet bioequivalance. Accordingly, the test compound and the reference compound pharmacokinetic parameters are exp Read More

Biomarkers are defined as a characteristic that is objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological or pathogenic processes or pharmacological responses to a therapeutic intervention. Over the past few decades, a growing interest in the identification of biomarkers has emerged in order to detect different pathologies in the early stages. Thus, it would be possible to provide a customized treatment to the Read More

Publication of the research outputs is a vital step of the research processes and a gateway between the laboratory and the global society. Open Access is revolutionizing the dissemination of scientific ideas, particularly in the field of public health pharmacogenomics that examines the ways in which pharmacogenomics impacts health systems and services at a societal level, rather than a narrow bench to bedside model of tran Read More

The involvement of neurotrophic factors, notably brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been suggested in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD) and in the response of antidepressant treatment both in preclinical and clinical studies. Thus, genetic variation in human BDNF gene may be associated with MDD susceptibility and be related to treatment response to antidepressants in patients with MDD. Tw Read More