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July 2018

Revolutionising cancer treatment one Array at a time

While the science of pharmacogenomics has been around for years, its popularity is starting to pick up steam as precision medicine and how we treat individual patients becomes more and more common place in the medical world. Geneticists and doctors are fully embracing the fact that our individual genes make us all unique and that these genes hold clues to how each patient’s body will metabolise medications.

Pharmacogenetics, or the study of how people respond differently to medicines due to their genetics, is making a splash lately thanks to companies like Minneapolis, MN-based OneOme, which co-developed its RightMed test with Mayo Clinic. The company collects a patient’s DNA sample using a simple cheek swab that is then analysed at OneOme’s lab with PCR – in this case on LGC’s IntelliQube® – to determine the patient’s genetics.  This information is then used to determine whether the patient has any genetic variations that may cause them to have a certain reaction to a medication. These results give doctors “graphic genetic pinpoint accuracy” on the medications that should work and those likely to be less effective. In simplest terms, these tests, combined with PCR instruments are empowering patients and doctors with information that may not only make their lives better, but also safer. Or as we like to say, science for a safer world.

Take a look at just how much pharmacogenomics is impacting and “revolutionizing” patient care by watching the video here, or visit our website.

This story was originally published on the Biosearch Technologies blog.