Having genetic information could motivate consumers to be more proactive about their health, but these results, based on incomplete science, may give too many false positives or ambiguous information, said Offit, who was a senior author of a report on genetic testing for the America Society of Clinical Oncology.

CNN: Walgreens postpones plans to sell personal genetic tests

Scangos says companies should start looking for genetic variations that predict a drug's efficacy in the very early stages of clinical testing.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Isis needs one in order to start a large and expensive clinical trial testing its drug in patients who have high cholesterol that is not caused by a genetic defect.

FORBES: Genzyme Eyes Isis Drug