Drugs have both therapeutic and unwanted effects.  Pre-marketing studies cannot identify all potential side effects, especially when genetic factors are important.  The association between drug exposure and adverse events may be established only by post-marketing surveillance.  It is important to know the risk of serious adverse drug reactions, how to detect them early and how to prevent them.  Knowledge of genetically controlled variations in drug responses will allow selection of an appropriate drug and dose for the individual subject in order to achieve optimal therapeutic effect, avoid treatment failure and minimise toxicity.  Strategic plans to promote medication safety are also required in hospitals and the community.

Food and drug safety concern all of us because of the potential impact on public health and the obligation for healthcare professionals and scientists to provide advice and the scientific inputs to the community.