Genetic studies have revolutionised human disease research over the past decade in uncovering the basic pathogenic pathways involved.  Translating basic biological discoveries into therapeutic outcomes is a challenging and lengthy process in any biomedical research discipline.  Whilst this will also be the case for the majority of GWAS findings, it is clear that the information available from GWAS can be used to identify therapeutic targets of higher likelihood of successful clinical translation, and to identify likely potential toxicities associated with particular targets.   These approaches promise to lift success in phase 1 clinical trials, saving substantial costs, as well as to identify possible repositioning opportunities, and novel therapeutic targets, without necessarily requiring extensive further basic research.