In summary, this work highlights the challenges and needed evidence to translate genetic research findings in the area of precision medicine. Using two complementary trials, the genetic effect on placebo response differs significantly between the two trials and this difference then influences the interpretation of pharmacogenetic response of smoking cessation. If the results in the placebo groups were reversed in the two trials, a completely different interpretation of the pharmacogenetic results would follow. This finding highlights the importance of having a head-to-head comparison with the same placebo control in pharmacogenetic research in order to achieve the goal of precise smoking cessation treatments (Rutter, 2006).
