What is the Division of Medical Genomics?

The science of pharmacogenomics focuses on better identifying individualized responses to existing drugs and understanding how to optimize new drug development. Genetic information is the key to designing better clinical trials to more definitively prove drug efficacy, and in turn decrease time and costs associated with implementing new drugs.

The discovery and translation of genetics into personalized medicine is gaining momentum, particularly in cancer therapies, where “most effective dose” is replacing “most tolerated dose” of highly targeted drugs. Not only does this improve outcomes by more effectively reducing tumor burden, but it often results in fewer complications and better quality of life.

Recent News On Sunday, May 3, KARE11 ran a story about pharmacogenomics during their Extra segment entitled, "New hope for cancer patients." The story includes an interview with the Division of Medical Genomics director, Dr. Brian Van Ness. Click here for the story!