Genome Medical Adds Pharmacogenomics to its Genetic Services

SAN FRANCISCO, /PRNewswire/ -- Genome Medical, a leading telegenomics technology and services company, now offers nationwide genetic services to assist patients and healthcare providers in understanding how genetics impacts an individual’s response to medication. This relatively new field, which combines pharmacology and genomics, is commonly called “pharmacogenomics.”

“Adding pharmacogenomics to our telehealth genetic services is a natural next step in providing patients and their providers with specialized clinical support across healthcare – including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, reproductive health and proactive health,” said Steven Bleyl, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer of Genome Medical. “Applying genomics to medication selection and management is still a new field of medicine. Our expertise and national reach allow us to be a source of medical, professional support to physicians in applying this new area of genomic medicine to the care of their patients.”

Pharmacogenomics: Making Medication Decisions Based on Genetics

The majority of currently available medications are considered to be “one size fits all,” but they don’t work the same way for everyone. In fact:

• The majority of people have at least one genetic variant that impacts their response to medication. This could mean they process the medication too quickly or too slowly, or it could make it more likely they will have a certain side effect.
• More than 200 medications are known to be impacted by the genetics of the individual taking them
• Of all medications prescribed in the United States, more than half are either ineffective or harmful, and a significant portion of these undesired effects is accounted for by genetics

Genome Medical’s pharmacogenomics experts understand how a patient’s genetics can impact the way medications are processed in the body. This emerging field combines pharmacology and genomics to select the safest, most effective medication and dosage based on an individual’s genetic makeup.

Pharmacogenomics Testing, Supported by Genetic Counseling from Genome Medical

In October, the FDA authorized the first direct-to-consumer pharmacogenomics report, developed by consumer genetic testing company 23andMe. Many other testing companies are offering broad-based pharmacogenomic tests that require physician review and authorization.

Genome Medical brings the latest advancements in genomics to individuals nationwide, and it continues to expand its clinical network of leading genetic specialists – now comprising more than 40 clinicians, including pharmacists with expertise in pharmacogenomics. Through its secure, cloud-based genomic care platform, Genome Medical delivers 24/7 access to genetic experts for virtual visits and peer-to-peer consults. Individuals who want to explore how genetics may influence their drug response and how such information can be used to optimize medical treatment can schedule an appointment online to talk to a genetic expert from Genome Medical.

Genome Medical provides pre-test counseling, test selection and authorization as appropriate, results review sessions, and development of a personalized care plan. This care plan is shared with treating physicians to guide ongoing treatment decisions.

“Since our inception, Genome Medical has been bringing genomic medicine to everyday care delivery by making genetics a seamless addition to how patient care is approached.” said Lisa Alderson, co-founder and CEO, Genome Medical. “With more than 200 personalized medicine drugs on the market today, genome-guided selection of treatment will become increasingly important. Genome Medical’s expansion into pharmacogenomics enables us to address a gap in the healthcare delivery continuum today by increasing access to medical geneticists, pharmacists, genetic counselors and other experts knowledgeable in this specialty area of medicine.”

Added Alderson, “We are proud that, at a time when there is limited access to genetic specialists nationwide, we can offer our counseling and physician services across all 50 states – ensuring that all individuals and providers have access to genetics expertise, regardless of their location.”

For more information on Genome Medical’s work with health systems, providers and employer groups, or to access its pharmacogenomics services directly as a consumer, please visit www.genomemedical.com.

About Genome Medical
Genome Medical is a national telegenomics technology and services company bringing genomic medicine to everyday care delivery. Through our nationwide network of genetic specialists and efficient genomic care delivery platform, we provide expert virtual genetic care for individuals and their families to improve health and well-being. We also help healthcare providers and their patients navigate the rapidly expanding field of genetics and utilize test results to understand the risk for disease, accelerate disease diagnosis, make informed treatment decisions and lower the cost of care. We are shepherding in a new era of genomic medicine by creating easy, efficient access to top genetic experts. Genome Medical is headquartered in South San Francisco and is backed by Canaan Partners, GE Ventures, Illumina Ventures, Kaiser Permanente Ventures and HealthInvest Equity Partners. To learn more, visit www.genomemedical.com and follow @GenomeMed.

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SOURCE Genome Medical