An update to returning genetic research results to individuals: perspectives of the industry pharmacogenomics working group.

The ease with which genotyping technologies generate tremendous amounts of data on research participants has been well chronicled, a feat that continues to become both faster and cheaper to perform. In parallel to these advances come additional ethical considerations and debates, one of which centers on providing individual research results and incidental findings back to research participants taking part in genetic research efforts. In 2006 the Industry Pharmacogenomics Working Group (I-PWG) offered some 'Points-to-Consider' on this topic within the context of the drug development process from those who are affiliated to pharmaceutical companies. Today many of these points remain applicable to the discussion but will be expanded upon in this updated viewpoint from the I-PWG. The exploratory nature of pharmacogenomic work in the pharmaceutical industry is discussed to provide context for why these results typically are not best suited for return. Operational challenges unique to this industry which cause barriers to returning this information are also explained.

Enabling pharmacogenomic clinical trials through sampling.

Discussion and output from the US FDA and the pharmaceutical industry from the Drug Information Association/FDA 5th Workshop in a series on pharmacogenomics entitled: 'Generating and Weighing Evidence in Drug Development and Regulatory Decision Making'. A major topic area at the 5th FDA/Industry Workshop on Pharmacogenomics, February 2-4, 2010 in Bethesda (MD, USA), was enabling pharmacogenomic clinical trials through collection of future use samples. The importance of the collection of samples with permission for future analyses was affirmed by both industry and the FDA. In addition, current barriers for the collection of such samples were detailed and possible solutions for overcoming barriers at sites, as well as globally within countries, were discussed. The importance of international concordance on collection of these samples was emphasized, and potential areas for industry to harmonize sample collection practices. A standalone workshop on issues related to sampling was determined to be a key step for solving issues related to future use sample collection during drug development.