Science - Metrix & MNBC Pharmacogenomics in Canada

Executive Summary This study aimed to evaluate the potential of pharmacogenomic science and technology (S&T) in Canada. In order to do so, the multiple scientific and ethical issues related to pharmacogenomic research were reviewed. Scientometric and technometric analyses were performed to provide a quantitative evaluation of Canada's performance in this field relative to that of the world and also within Canada. The position of pharmacogenomic S&T within the context of the healthcare industry was also discussed. Finally, Canada's main strengths and weaknesses together with future opportunities and threats were summarized in order to establish the potential of pharmacogenomic S&T in Canada and to provide recommendations so that Canada can benefit from this potential. The scientometric analysis is based on papers retrieved from the Medline database using a set of keywords defining the field. It was conducted using time series (1991-2002) to outline the evolution of Canada's scientific output in pharmacogenomics both at the international level (G7 countries) and national levels. The performances of the different entities at the international and national levels are presented according to three scientometric indicators. The technometric analysis is based on patents retrieved from the United States Patents and Trademark Office (USPTO) database and was conducted using time series (1999-2003) to outline the evolution of Canada's technological output in pharmacogenomics both at the international level (G7 countries) and national levels. The performances of the different entities at the international level are presented according to two technometric indicators. At the national level, only one technometric indicator was used due to the small number of Canadian pharmacogenomic patents. Canada occupies a small position in pharmacogenomic S&T, both in terms of scientific and technological output. This is not an irreversible situation since the field is still in its initial phase. Most of the countries studied have just started to get involved in the field, and Canada could still be an important player. However, to stay in the pharmacogenomic race, Canada has to take serious and concrete action. This is especially important since the partially public Canadian healthcare system could be strongly affected by the advent of pharmacogenomics, and it would be wise for the country to have some say in the direction this race will take if it wants to manage its healthcare spending efficiently. This report highlights different strategies that should be prioritized by Canada to develop the field of pharmacogenomic S&T: ƒ Canada should invest primarily in …