Imagine a future where your medications are perfectly matched to your unique body. AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad, in collaboration with GenepoweRx, is making this a reality with the launch of an accessible pharmacogenomics test. This innovative test empowers doctors to prescribe medicines precisely tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup.
We all process medications differently. A drug that works wonders for one person might be ineffective or even cause adverse reactions in another. This groundbreaking pharmacogenomics test delves into a patient’s genetic code, predicting how their body will respond to common treatments for various conditions including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal issues, neurological and psychiatric disorders, and pain management.
Remarkably, this life-changing test is priced at just ₹5,000, a stark contrast to the ₹80,000 typically charged for similar genomic assessments in Western countries. The best part? These results are valid for a lifetime. Patients receive a personalized report booklet, which they can share with any doctor, anywhere, ensuring all future prescriptions align perfectly with their genetic profile, explained D. Nageshwar Reddy, chairman of AIG Hospitals.
How the Test Works
The process is straightforward: a small 2 ml blood sample is collected at AIG Hospitals. From this sample, DNA is extracted and meticulously analyzed using advanced sequencing technology on platforms like Illumina and MGI. This generates approximately 5 GB of genomic data per patient, which is then processed to uncover how an individual’s body metabolizes drugs across a wide array of disease pathways. Patients receive their comprehensive report within 12–13 days, confirmed Hima Challa, a clinical genomics expert from Harvard Medical School involved in the project.
The test scrutinizes about 120–190 genes that play a crucial role in drug metabolism. It isn’t limited to a single disease; instead, it offers a holistic view of an individual’s medication response across all conditions. This means that even if a patient develops a new illness or requires a new drug in the future, this genetic information will be invaluable for precise dosing.
Research and Data Foundations
The development of this test is rooted in robust research. It leverages insights from AIG Hospitals’ own extensive study involving over 2,000 Indian patients, combined with data from the UK Biobank, which notably includes a 15% representation of the Indian population among its million participants. This comprehensive approach ensures that genetic variations specific to the Indian demographic are accurately factored into the personalized recommendations.
Cost-Effectiveness and Health Advantages
Dr. Reddy emphasized the dual benefits: “Beyond its affordability, this test has the potential to significantly lower pharmaceutical costs by preventing unnecessary prescriptions and excessively high dosages. More importantly, it helps avoid complications and hospitalizations often triggered by adverse drug reactions, ultimately leading to healthier lives and smarter healthcare spending.”