Individual Topical Review Draft

Topic: Human Genome Project:

Executive Summary:

This paper will seek to understand and evaluate how the human genome project has developed over time and being applied to the field of medicine. Understanding that there are certain advantages of genetic medicine, what are some of the ethical, social issues that comes with genetic medicine?

Why I chose this topic?

Men has been trying to live forever and procrastinate death, I believe understanding our gene pool will be the closest we will get to that goal. There has been case studies where they conducted gene therapy and successfully cured type-1 diabetes in dogs. However, I believe that when we begin to celebrate gene medicine, we are exposed to a plethora of ethical issues which intrigues me. I wish to understand the implications if men were able to live forever. Mark Twain once quoted “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die anytime”. If death is no longer in the equation, will men be able to enjoy the moments of living?

Background:

1. Introduction of the human genome project
2. Innovation of genetic medicine

Historical Perspective:

• 1988: International Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) established. US congress funds Human Genome Project
• 1990: First attempts at gene therapy in immunodeficiency.
• 2003: Complete sequence of Human Genome achieved.

Current Perspective:

• Personalized medicine, how each of us is different individually, and the understanding of our gene will enable us to have greater accuracy in dispensing medicine.
• Singapore context: How Singapore is gradually adopting genetic medicine

Future Consideration:

• What are the possibilities for humans? Disease-free humans?
• What are some limitations of genetic medicine? Will there be lack of distribution? Will there be equality in medicine treatment for everyone?

Evaluation:

What are the advantages of genetic medicine? What are some socioeconomic problems that surface with it?

With the longer life expectancy, will Earth be able to sustain us?

Conclusion:

In summary, genetic medicine is the future and humans will be able to benefit greatly from it. However, while we celebrate the advantages and benefits, there are inherent issues that we have to address.