The Department of Health and Human Services Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health and Society has released two reports to help guide genomic research and its application to public health. The first report, "Policy Issues Associated with Undertaking a New Large U.S. Population Cohort Study of Genes, Environment, and Disease," provides information that would help the secretary of HHS decide whether to pursue large population studies on gene-environment or gene-health interactions. The report reflects comments from industry, patient advocacy groups and academic organizations, including the AAMC.

The second report released is a draft document, "Realizing the Promise of Pharmacogenomics: Opportunities and Challenges," that assesses the potential for genomics to improve the productivity of the drug development pipeline, increase drug safety and effectiveness by reducing adverse reactions and allow for more efficient use of drugs in clinical and public health practice. The draft report also outlines and makes recommendations on issues associated with product development in pharmacogenomics and integration into clinical practice and public health. Comments on this draft report are due June 1. For more information, please visit http://www4.od.nih.gov/oba/SACGHS.htm.