Although proteins hold the key to illness, genes hold the key to proteins. Today, the technology of genes is far more advanced than the technology of proteins. The easiest way to discover the proteins involved in a disease is to discover the genes involved. Once the gene is known, the protein immediately becomes known as well, and rational drug design can begin. Once the chemists have discovered a new medication, it must be tested in humans.
Clinical testing is long and tedious to ensure safety and efficacy.
Below, we explain how genetics can reduce the time and cost of clinical testing. Clinical testing proceeds most quickly and efficiently when experiments give clear answers. Today, drug companies try to get clear answers by studying large numbers of people in their experiments. Big clinical studies cost extra time and money. Earlier, we said that a person's genetic profile can affect their response to a drug.