The deciphering of the human genome at the dawn of our twenty-first century not only fueled expectation of an increase in speed of developing therapies for many diseases but also exploded some cherished myths. Among the myths exploded was the belief that there were about 100,000 genes in the human genome and that this would lead to thousands of new ‘targets’ (receptors, enzymes, transporters, ion channels, etc.) for the discovery of new drugs. Although still somewhat in question, the number of genes in the human genome is felt to be about 30,000, thus dampening considerably some of the initial euphoria over the anticipated results of this outstanding achievement: the deciphering of the human genome. Another disappointing projection is that the number of druggable targets will only increase some threefold, from about 550 to 1500. Nonetheless, this incredible achievement, enabled by many technologies associated with genome sequencing, has fueled additional technologies, such as proteomics and metabolomics, for the innovation of new drugs and diagnostics.

The dawn of this century has also seen an increase in awareness of the importance of unwanted side effects in marketed drugs and safety issues in device usage. This debate has not only captured the attention of the public, as some widely used drugs, such as Vioxx and Pergolide, have been removed from the market, but also that of the Congress.