Personalized Medicine- A New Genomic Era

Abstract

To,
The editor,
The human genomic project describes a greater similarity
in human gene sequences which unites us as specie but
the minor allelic variations in terms of single nucleotide
polymorphism makes every individual unique.1 This
reveals an insight into the role of human genetic variation
behind differential susceptibility of human diseases and
response to pharmacological agents. They also act as
an environmental factor in producing varied disease
phenotypes more than other factors like patient`s age,
gender or body weight. This compels to the idea of
Personalized Medicine as an emerging therapeutic
science.2 The name Personalized Medicine suggests an
exclusive treatment strategy based on individual genomic
info. It is aimed to comprehensively identify genomic
differences and correlate with human diseases like
malignant tumors and inherited disorders. It is also
helpful in further research of genetic risk factors,
polygenic variations and also as an important tumor
marker or diagnostic tool. Application of Pharmacogenomics,
pharmacokinetics and pharmacoproteomics
are its basic principles.3