The substantial investments in human genetics and genomics made over the past three decades were anticipated to result in many innovative therapies. Here we investigate the extent to which these expectations have been met, excluding cancer treatments. In our search, we identified 40 germline genetic observations that led directly to new targets and subsequently to novel approved therapies for 36 rare and 4 common conditions. The median time between genetic target discovery and drug approval was 25 years. Most of the genetically driven therapies for rare diseases compensate for disease-causing loss-of-function mutations. The therapies approved for common conditions are all inhibitors designed to pharmacologically mimic the natural, disease-protective effects of rare loss-of-function variants. Large biobank-based genetic studies have the power to identify and validate a large number of new drug targets. Genetics can also assist in the clinical development phase of drugs—for example
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The electricity crisis in Pakistan is triggering grid power outage (load shedding) for many decades, which has not only affected the commercial and industrial sectors but also the domestic sector, specifically the livelihood of rural areas of the country. However, the extant literature advocates that renewable energy technologies, such as solar photovoltaic (PV) can be the remedy. Given the abundantly availability of solar energy in Pakistan that can be converted into electrical energy using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, this study examines the determinants of solar PV adoption in rural areas of Pakistan. Our preliminary investigations – using government/official publications – indicate that despite a huge potential of solar energy in Pakistan, the usage of solar PV at household level in rural areas is still untapped, which makes this research agenda more appealing and provocative. In doing so, this study first conducts surveys, face-to-face comprehensive interviews, and questio