Quest Diagnostics Launches Advanced Pharmacogenomics Service to Enhance Drug Prescribing

What's Happening?

Quest Diagnostics has introduced an advanced pharmacogenomic (PGx) laboratory test service aimed at helping healthcare providers understand individual genetic responses to drug therapies. This service is designed to optimize medication selection and dosing across various medical specialties, including psychiatry, neurology, cardiology, oncology, and more. The offering includes a comprehensive report with genotype and predicted phenotypic response, supported by Coriell Life Sciences' GeneDose LIVE platform, which provides clinicians with dynamic and actionable recommendations based on current gene-drug associations. The service aims to reduce trial-and-error in prescribing, prevent therapeutic failures, and avoid adverse drug interactions, which are a significant cause of mortality in the U.S.

Why It's Important?

The introduction of this advanced PGx service by Quest Diagnostics represents a significant step forward in precision medicine, potentially transforming how medications are prescribed. By leveraging genetic insights, healthcare providers can tailor drug therapies to individual patients, improving treatment success and reducing healthcare costs associated with adverse drug interactions. This service addresses the challenges of polypharmacy, particularly in high-risk areas like oncology and cardiology, and supports safer, more effective prescribing decisions. The initiative aligns with broader trends in healthcare towards personalized medicine, which is expected to enhance patient outcomes and optimize healthcare resources.

What's Next?

Quest Diagnostics plans to make this testing service widely accessible through its network of 2,000 patient service centers across the U.S., along with at-home collection services. The company is committed to expanding its PGx offerings and integrating more genetic insights into clinical practice. As the healthcare industry continues to shift towards personalized care, Quest's ability to provide actionable genetic data will likely play a crucial role in its future growth and influence in the pharmacogenomics market.