home > training > perspectives > asthma > risks |
|
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. 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:
Examples of public health activities that could help prepare for future use of genomic applications in asthma include:
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 |
Page last reviewed: June 8, 2007 (archived document) Page last updated: November 27, 2007 Content Source: National Office of Public Health Genomics |
Department of Health and Human Services | ||||
Policies and Regulations | Disclaimers | e-Government | FOIA | ||||
National Office of Public Health Genomics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |