Agilus Diagnostics launches Pharmacogenomics Testing Service

New Delhi: Agilus Diagnostics has launched a cutting-edge Pharmacogenomics Testing Service, marking a transformative step in the country’s healthcare landscape. This service will enable healthcare providers to offer personalized treatment plans based on patient’s genetic profiles, ensuring more effective and safer medication management.

Dr. Anand K, Managing Director & CEO of Agilus Diagnostics, emphasized the significance of this launch in the context of the growing global market for pharmacogenomics, which is projected to reach USD 5.8 billion by 2028. “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. Anand noted.

Pharmacogenomics, a field that studies how genes affect a person’s response to drugs, can offer critical insights into medication efficacy and safety. By analyzing an individual’s genetic makeup, this service aims to reduce adverse drug reactions and optimize drug dosages for better results.

Dr. Ravneet Kaur, Medical Geneticist at Agilus Diagnostics, highlighted the benefits of this approach, “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 personalized 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.”

The potential impact of this service is particularly significant in the field of psychiatry. Dr. Samir Parikh, Chairperson of Fortis National Mental Health Program and Advisor at Agilus Diagnostics, explained, “By utilizing 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 minimize the risk of side effects. This personalized approach not only enhances symptom management but also improves patient adherence to treatment.”

Pharmacogenomics testing can provide valuable guidance for patients starting or currently taking medications for various conditions. Agilus’ comprehensive pharmacogenomics, panel based on whole exome sequencing covers 59 pharmacogenomic (PGx) genes and 194 drugs, including 32 genes associated with clinical annotations and dosing guidelines. The panel spans a wide range of specialties such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, neurology, depression, endocrinology, and more, with guidelines from recognized international dosing standards.