Genomics is an emerging field using genetic information of individual patients as basis for diagnostic or therapeutic decision-making. Knowledge of all the human genes and their functions would allow effective preventive measures, and change drug research strategy and drug discovery development processes. The potential implication of genomics and pharmacogenomics in clinical research and clinical medicine is the possibility to treat diseases according to genetic and specific individual markers, selecting medications and dosages that are optimised for an individual patient. The possibility of defining patient populations genetically may improve outcomes by predicting individual responses to drugs, and could improve safety and efficacy.

Genomic medicine already has a recognised impact in diverse fields of oncology, pharmacology, rare and undiagnosed diseases. Identification of genetic causality of diseases enables new approaches in drug discovery and development, followed by promising new diagnostic and therapeutic options. Consequently, reimbursement strategies need to be adapted to these advanced concepts.