Against the background of a number of first drug–diagnostic co-products developed and introduced into the European market, European decision-makers feel impelled to react and position themselves in the field of personalized medicine. Their reactions cover a broad range, from the analysis of knowledge requirements for market approval to the need for translational activities and the possible contribution of pharmacogenetics to public health. This article summarizes the current positions of European institutions, based on literature review and expert consultation for three items associated with personalized medicine: biobanks, genetic diagnostics and drug–diagnostic co-products, and provides an outlook on requirements for an effective future European policy on personalized medicine

Genetics is slowly explaining variations in drug response, but applying this knowledge depends on implementation of a host of policies that provide long-term support to the field, from translational research and regulation to professional education.