Evidence of Genetic Component

Pharmacogenomics

Pharmacogenomics refers to the use of genomic techniques to enhance drug development and guide drug treatment choices. Research in this area could potentially allow for the development of new drugs based on existing drug targets, identification of new drug targets, and tailoring of asthma treatment programs in order to avoid adverse drug reactions, increase drug effectiveness, and better predict adequate drug dosage. Read more about the Pharmacogenomics of Asthma.

What Can Public Health Do?

Asthma clinical and public health efforts do not currently incorporate genomic information because the genetic components of asthma are only just being discovered. Although there are no current applications of genomics in asthma prevention, diagnosis, or treatment, public health can play an important role in bridging the gap between genomic findings and use of genomics-based applications by contributing to current research activities and preparing for potential future applications (see the report, Asthma Genomics: Implications for Public Health).

For example, public health expertise is needed currently in the investigation of gene-disease association studies and outcomes studies of resulting applications. Public health knowledge can contribute to improving the way asthma research in genomics is planned, conducted, interpreted, and reported. Public health activities may include:

• Assuring that adequately sized population-based studies are conducted
• Participating in the design and analyses of research studies
• Critically examining study findings to ensure that interpretations take into account not only genetic factors, but also existing environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic factors
• Working with academic partners, commercial developers, healthcare providers, and health plans to evaluate existing data in areas of interest

Examples of public health activities that could help prepare for future use of genomic applications in asthma include:

• Setting up an infrastructure for sharing information and technical assistance with interested public health agencies and academic partners to efficiently incorporate genomics into public health activities where relevant and when necessary
• Addressing policies concerning data usage to ensure that the needs of the public are met
• Through dialogue, engaging populations with interests in or concerns about the use of genomics in asthma prevention and health care
• Assessing potential effects of genomics on clinical practice guidelines and public health policies
• Identifying potential evaluation and outcomes measures for use of genomics applications

Convening stakeholders in a variety of disciplines and roles to discuss issues in asthma genomics, to ensure that public health practices are evidence based and that public health knowledge is utilized in research and practice