Mumbai: Agilus Diagnostics announces the launch of its Pharmacogenomics Testing Service. The service empowers healthcare providers and patients with vital insights into how individual genetic profiles influence medication effectiveness and safety, paving the way for a more personalised approach to treatment.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr Anand K, Managing Director & CEO, Agilus Diagnostics said, “As the Global Pharmacogenomics market is projected to reach $5.8 billion by 2028, we are excited to be at the forefront of this revolution in personalised medicine. With the increasing prevalence of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders and diabetes; our new service harnesses state-of-the-art genome sequencing technologies to provide tailored treatment strategies that can significantly enhance patient outcomes.”
Dr Ravneet Kaur, Medical Geneticist, Agilus Diagnostics, emphasised the importance of matching the right drug to the right patient at the correct dosage. “Far too many patients suffer from adverse drug reactions or ineffective treatments. Drug genomics offers a cost-saving solution by reducing hospital visits and readmissions through personalised treatment plans. Recent studies on the Indian population show that each individual carries eight pharmacogenomics variants that affect treatment selection and dosage. By addressing these genetic differences, we can significantly improve patient outcomes and ensure safer, more effective therapies.”Talking about the impact of genetic variations in psychiatric medications, Dr Samir Parikh, Chairperson, Fortis National Mental Health Programme, Fortis Healthcare and Advisor, Pharmacogenomics, Agilus Diagnostics said, “By utilising pharmacogenomic testing, psychiatrists can determine whether a patient carries specific genetic variants that affect drug metabolism. This invaluable information enables clinicians to select medications that are more likely to be effective and adjust dosages to minimise the risk of side effects. This personalised approach not only enhances symptom management but also improves patient adherence to treatment.”As the genetic underpinnings of psychiatric disorders and treatment responses are being explored, pharmacogenomics stands at the forefront of a new era in psychiatry. The approach holds the promise of not only better patient outcomes but also a more nuanced and individualised understanding of mental health. With its ability to guide medication selection and dosing, pharmacogenomics is paving the way for a future in which psychiatric care is more effective, efficient, and personalised than ever before.
Pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing can offer valuable insights for patients who are either starting or already taking medications for various conditions. By analysing an individual’s genetic makeup, PGx testing can help healthcare providers in determining the most suitable and effective treatment options. For those who have struggled to find medications that effectively manage their symptoms, PGx testing could be particularly beneficial in guiding personalised treatment plans.
Agilus’ comprehensive pharmacogenomics panel based on whole exome sequencing covers 59 PGx genes and 194 drugs. It also covers 32 genes associated with clinical annotations & dosing guidelines. The reporting is based as per the standard dosing guidelines, which incorporates 191 CPIC, 108 DPWG and many others. The drug genomics panel includes 17 speciality, like cancer, cardiovascular disorders, depression, neurology, gastroenterology, paediatrics, endocrinology and immunosuppressant medications etc.
