Genomic Medicine, Finally 64
Daniel Dvorkin writes "When I first started studying bioinformatics almost fifteen years ago (!) what drew me to the field was the promise that we might soon be able to provide effective, personalized treatments for a wide variety of diseases. There have been some successes along the way, like genetic tests for warfarin dosage, but for the most part our gains in understanding of basic biology haven't been matched by clinical advances. Now it looks like that is at long last about to change, and it's about time.
Too many people suffer and die from too many diseases that we more or less understand, but can't effectively treat. I hated it when I worked in hands-on patient care, and I hate it now in the lab. We are, finally, getting there."
Too many people suffer and die from too many diseases that we more or less understand, but can't effectively treat. I hated it when I worked in hands-on patient care, and I hate it now in the lab. We are, finally, getting there."
The Load (Score:2, Interesting)
How many diseases have cheap preventable causes? Many
How many cheap preventable causes are the medical "science" industry interested in finding? Zero
What is the likelihood that insurance companies will want to use genetics to exclude benefits? Very high
How long time will it take for new research to enter into medical practice? As long time as it will take for the practitioner to retire.
Genetics: Too much knowledge in the wrong hands is a bad thing.
Re:The Load (Score:3, Interesting)
How many diseases have cheap preventable causes? Many How many cheap preventable causes are the medical "science" industry interested in finding? Zero
Well, bullshit. NIH is quite interested in finding them, as are many healthcare providers. Pharmas aren't, but that isn't their job.
What is the likelihood that insurance companies will want to use genetics to exclude benefits? Very high
And very illegal. Has been for years.
How long time will it take for new research to enter into medical practice? As long time as it will take for the practitioner to retire.
Depends. If it is leading to a new drug, could be 5-12 years. Diagnostics can be much faster.
Re:Isn't delivery still a problem? (Score:4, Interesting)
Gene therapy is performed through vectors, notably viral vectors.
Re:Regulatory hurdles (Score:5, Interesting)
Are Native American lands bound by the FDA?