Innovators: 

What changes can YOU expect to see in the future? 

The field of pharmacogenomics is rapidly evolving as we learn more about the human genome and the natural variability that exists in our diverse culture. The George Washington University is a pioneer in the field of pharmacogenomics offering the only Bachelor's degree program in the country. Students are admitted into this full-time program in their Junior year.

The program strives to educate a new generation of health science graduates who are acutely aware of the interface between human genetic variability and drug action. Their mission is to offer a world-class education to students and equip future pharmacists, scientists, physicians, policy makers and health care professionals with concrete knowledge and unparalleled experience in pharmacogenomics. Their graduates play integral roles in the resolution of the scientific, policy and ethical issues surrounding personalized medicine. The program will uniquely prepare individuals for a variety of positions in the biopharmaceutical industry and allied health professions as well as continued advanced education in health policy, medicine, pharmacological/genomic research and pharmacy. (5)

In addition to George Washington University, the Center for Pharmacogenomics which is part of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Florida; one of the leading educational institutions in pharmacogenomics research and training of future scientists in this field of biotechnology. The collaborations in pharmacogenomics research with other disciplines such as medicine, dentistry and biological sciences at the University of Florida, makes sure advancement in this field of science. (9)

Although few Pharmacogenomic products are available on the market, many are in the pre-market stage which consists of getting the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Once this process ends and these new products are available, the world will see a significant change in how medicine is prescribed to the patients receiving it. (10)