The attempt to predict an individual's reaction to drugs, based on knowledge of the individual's genetic structure. While the promise is for individualized drugs, the cost is extensive genetic testing, and the outcome, much more likely, the re-development of drugs for niche marketing at phenomenal profit for companies (Hedgecoe, A. and Martin, P. (2003) ‘The drugs don't work: expectations and the shaping of pharmacogenetics', Social Studies of Science, 33: 327–64). [Source: The Sage Dictionary of Health and Society; Pharmacogenetics]
toxicogenetics
pharmacology
genetics
drugs and drug companies
pharmacogenetics
concepts