Page 35 - Genomic Medicine in Emerging Economies

24 CHAPTER 2: Taking Genomics From the Bench to the Bedside in Developing Countries

In the current globalized world, establishing international collaboration is
the key to success in making advances in genomic medicine. In addition, col-
laborations among researchers, clinicians, and pharmaceutical companies in
the developed and developing world are essential in conducting clinical tri-
als that translate laboratory findings into clinically applicable therapeutics.
Understanding and interpreting the molecular information gained through
various laboratory techniques, such as genome sequencing and proteomics,
requires that information be shared between laboratories and clinics (Goldblatt
and Lee, 2010). Multidisciplinary collaborations between developed and
developing nations in genomic research will undeniably result in a significant
increase in capacity building for genomic research. Through such partnerships,
developed nations can also provide support for establishing centers of excel-
lence by providing funding, equipment, and training. Thus it is crucial to foster
international collaborations for the advancement of genomics research and
services in developing countries.
j Build public trust and confidence in genomics research and the sharing
of samples and data to biobanks.
An important element in realizing the potential of genomic medicine to
improve health is the growth of biobanks around the world. These are usu-
ally large repositories that contain growing numbers of individuals’ genomic
DNA that are linked with other health-related and lifestyle data. Biobanks are
acknowledged as important resources for advancing genomics research and
improving health, as they provide the keys to both basic research and facili-
tate translation into interventions that will ultimately lead to public health
advances (Pang, 2013). Sometimes the setting up of a biobank heralds the
entry of genomic medicine into a country. However, a number of participant
concerns have been identified, including appropriate consent for the collec-
tion, storage and use of (medical or genetic) information, ownership and
data sharing policies, and the return of individual research results (Etchegary
et al., 2013). These areas of concern need to be addressed in order to foster
public trust and participation in genomics services and research (Parker and
Kwiatkowski, 2016).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, it is clear that there are significant barriers to overcome before
genomic medicine is widely implemented in the developing world. It is well
known that the World Health Organization and international development
partners set the development agenda of developing countries. Genomic medi-
cine unfortunately is not on the priority list of concerns of the WHO and other
international development partners. Until and unless genomic medicine is
elevated to that position, genomic medicine will continue to be ignored by