When Genetic Screening is Useful, but Not Used
This Issue Brief describes the case of a genetic condition for which genetic screening of family members is clearly useful, and just as clearly underused. It explores the barriers to the use of genetic screening and has implications for the future as genetic technologies become more complex and produce more uncertainty.
Genetic Counseling and Testing for Breast Cancer Risk in African Americans
This Issue Brief summarizes a series of studies that systematically explore African American women’s beliefs and intentions about BRCA1/2 testing. The findings have been used to tailor genetic counseling programs to better serve this population.
Genetic Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer: Implications for Life Insurance
This Issue Brief summarizes the current debate on whether life insurers should have access to genetic testing information for breast and ovarian cancer, and provides actuarial insight into the potential effect of such testing on the voluntary term insurance market.
Determinants of R&D Success in Biotech and Pharmaceuticals
Abstract: The purpose of the proposed research is to develop empirical estimates of how characteristics of biotech and pharma firms affect the likelihood and timing of success in developing new drugs. Previous studies of pharmaceutical R&D have reported overall industry-wide average estimates of success rates of drug candidates, based on data from a subset of large pharma firms in the 1980s. Our research will use more recent, time series data (1990-1999) for the universe of biotech and pharma companies.