Pathway Genomics Responds To Medco, Mayo Clinic Study Revealing Gene Testing Reduces Hospitalization Rates For Warfarin Patients

Main Category: Blood / Hematology
Also Included In: Cardiovascular / Cardiology;  Heart Disease;  Genetics
Article Date: 18 Mar 2010 - 1:00 PDT


Pathway Genomics Inc., a U.S. based genetic testing company, responded to research released at the American College of Cardiology annual meeting that found that the number of hospitalizations for heart patients taking warfarin, the world's most-prescribed blood thinner, dropped by approximately 30 percent when genetic information for the patient was available to doctors prescribing the drug. The study was completed by Medco Health Solutions, Inc. -- in association with the Medco Research Institute™ -- and the Mayo Clinic. The Medco announcement can be found here..

In response to the findings, Jim Plante, CEO of Pathway Genomics, said: "As this research shows, personalized genetic reports are quickly becoming a critical component in managing one's health care. The study illustrates the major role genes can play in determining how a person might react to prescription medications, particularly those commonly used to treat heart-related conditions. It also shows how important genetic information can be to a physician in delivering healthcare, particularly when it comes to avoiding adverse reactions to certain medications. Through Pathway's personalized genetic reports, particularly our drug response report, a person can discover one's sensitivity to a variety of prescription medications, like warfarin, allowing them to work more effectively with their doctor to help determine their optimal medical treatment."

As this new study indicates, not all prescription medications affect people in the same way. In fact, some medications can trigger adverse reactions in certain individuals. A person's genetics can suggest optimal dosing levels, or cause some medications to be more or less effective, or in some cases lead to personal harm. Even if a person is not currently taking any medication, genetic information may be very important to know in an emergency situation. Pathway Genomics' pharmacogenetic (genetics of prescription medication response) reports include information about medications such as:

- Abacavir Hypersensitivity - Ziagen - HIV/AIDS
- Caffeine Metabolism
- Carbamazepine Hypersensitivity epilepsy/bipolar disorder
- Clopidrogel Metabolism - Plavix - anticoagulant
- Methotrexate Toxicity - antimetabolite/antifolate for cancer/autoimmune disease
- Statin Induced Myopathy - muscle pain/weakness
- Statin protection against myocardial infarction - heart attack
- Tamoxifen Response - breast cancer
- Warfarin Metabolism - Coumadin - anticoagulant

A Genetic Health Report from Pathway Genomics can be ordered via the web at http://www.pathway.com.

Source
Pathway Genomics

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