8.2.8 - Personalised Medicine

Question 1

Describe The Human Genome Project (HGP)
(5 Points)

Answer 1

~ Involved in the sequencing of the entire genome.

~ Information gained is stored in databases.

~ Scientists use the databases to identify genes, so proteins that are involved in disease.

~ They then use this information to target specific proteins, with the development of drugs for this purpose.

~ Aswell as this, it highlights common genetic variances between people.

Question 2

What Is The HGP Useful For?
(2 Points)

Answer 2

~ Drug companies to tailor drugs for specific diseases -> personalised medicines.

~ Doctors can personalise a patients treatment by using the HGP, to predict how they will respond to certain drugs.

Question 3

What Are The Social, Ethical & Moral Issues, With The HGP?
(4 Points)

Answer 3

~ Increased research costs, higher prices, meaning only wealthier people may have access to the medicines.

~ Insurance companies and employers, can use genetic information to unfairly discriminate against people.

~ People may have been refused the medicine, as it may not be effective for them.

~ Can be distressing for individuals, if the medicine can’t work on them.