Imagine having medication and treatment made especially for you. The world of medicine is constantly evolving. One shift that we have seen over the past few years is one towards personalized medicine. Personalized medication can benefit individuals who have conditions that only effect a specific population. Genetics plays a large role in this type of healthcare. Personalized medicine can tailor treatment that would be unique to that patient. Treatment response can vary from patient to patient which is one factor that can often complicate treatment. This approach could address the issues that are unique to a certain patient. Genetic biomarkers play a role in drug efficacy and can be indicators for things like drug dosing. Pharmacogenomics helps pinpoint genetic, medical, and environmental factors. The information gained from these genetic markers and specialized treatment can be taken and applied to other populations that have those same characteristics.
As with just about anything else, there are pros and cons to this method of treatment. Cost is a big one. Manufacturers are incentivized through the Orphan Drug Act of 1984 which helps them increase profitability. They have more time to focus on research and development of these specialized drugs. As for the patients, these medications can also be very costly. This could lead to non-adherence and poor health outcomes. Genetic testing has decreased in price somewhat but it is still out of reach for many people leaving room for increased disparities in disease outcomes and access to care.
Specialty medicine has seen growth over the past 10 years and that growth is expected to continue. Personalized medicine provides benefits for the patient such as better diagnoses, earlier interventions, more-efficient drug therapies, and customized treatment plans. It can lead to treatment that is geared toward prevention instead of reaction. This customized care has the potential to bring more effective care to more people.
