Event

Segregation Anew? The Rise of Pharmacogenomics and the Implications for Race in America

December 8, 2009
4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Forum Hall, 4th floor of Palmer Commons
Sponsored by Office of the Vice President for Research
Contact Information: Lindsay Zausmer, lzausmer@umich.edu, 734-615-2422

More Information: http://www.elsi.umich.edu

As the growing field of pharmacogenomic research offers us the potential benefits of personalized medicine and targeted therapies, it also brings with it the risk of reinforcing racial differences and stereotypes. Will pharmacogenomics increase the importance of race in American society? Will it exacerbate existing inequalities and stereotypes, or will it diminish them? Are there ways to mitigate these risks, through scientific, engineering, or policy solutions? This panel, featuring keynote speaker Jonathan Kahn, explores whether and how racial concepts and categories are influencing scientific, medical, and industrial development in this arena. It will also investigate whether there are policy interventions available that will allow us to exploit the potential of pharmacogenetics, while avoiding its pitfalls.