Paul Martin has four main concerns about the development of pharmacogenetics (PGx). Firstly, there are excessive expectations surrounding what is still a largely unproven technology. This level of hype is not helpful, over emphasises the power of genetics and clouds debate. Secondly, many of the most important issues raised by the introduction of PGx are true of genetic testing in general. These include, better protection of patients and research subjects (informed consent, privacy, anti-discrimination measures etc.), the control of commercial and cross-border testing, and the clinical validation of tests. There is an urgent need for public policy to establish a robust regulatory framework in this area. Thirdly, much current debate has focused on the impact of PGx on the pharmaceutical industry. Whilst this is important, more attention should be paid to how we can realise clear public health benefits from this opportunity. These might include increasing drug safety and reducing the cost of prescribing. Finally, specific attention needs to be given to how PGx might impact on equity and access to healthcare. For example, are we going to create new orphan drug populations or reduce the incentives to create drugs for all? Will PGx foster discrimination by breathing new life into discredited biological ideas of race and ethnicity?