In a pioneering move set to revolutionize patient care in India, Agilus Diagnostics, the country’s largest diagnostic company, has unveiled its new Pharmacogenomics Testing Service. This innovative service provides healthcare providers and patients with crucial insights into how genetic variations influence medication effectiveness and safety, ushering in a more personalized approach to treatment.
As per the press release, Dr. Anand K, Managing Director & CEO of Agilus Diagnostics, highlighted the importance of this launch: “As the global pharmacogenomics market is expected to reach USD 5.8 billion by 2028, we are proud to lead this advancement in personalized medicine. With the growing incidence of diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes, our service leverages cutting-edge genome sequencing technologies to offer tailored treatment plans, significantly enhancing patient outcomes.”
Dr. Ravneet Kaur, Medical Geneticist at Agilus Diagnostics, stressed the importance of precise drug matching: “Many patients experience adverse drug reactions or ineffective treatments. Drug genomics offers a cost-effective solution by reducing hospital visits and readmissions through personalized treatment plans. Studies on the Indian population show that each person carries eight pharmacogenomic variants that influence treatment and dosage. By addressing these genetic differences, we can greatly improve patient safety and treatment effectiveness.”
Focusing on psychiatric care, Dr. Samir Parikh, Chairperson of the Fortis National Mental Health Program and Advisor at Agilus Diagnostics, added, “Pharmacogenomic testing helps psychiatrists identify genetic variants that impact drug metabolism, allowing them to choose more effective medications and adjust dosages to reduce side effects. This personalized approach enhances symptom management and improves patient adherence to treatment.” He emphasized that pharmacogenomics is paving the way for a new era in psychiatric care, offering more effective, individualized, and efficient treatment strategies.
Pharmacogenomics testing, or PGx, offers valuable insights for patients beginning or currently taking medications for various conditions. By analyzing an individual’s genetic profile, PGx testing helps healthcare providers determine the most appropriate and effective treatment options, particularly for patients struggling to find medications that work for them.
Agilus’ comprehensive pharmacogenomics panel, based on whole exome sequencing, covers 59 PGx genes and 194 drugs, along with 32 genes linked to clinical annotations and dosing guidelines. Their reports follow standard dosing protocols, incorporating 191 CPIC, 108 DPWG, and other relevant guidelines. The panel spans 17 specialties, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, depression, neurology, gastroenterology, pediatrics, endocrinology, and immunosuppressive therapies.
With the launch of this service, Agilus Diagnostics reaffirms its commitment to improving patient outcomes through the power of personalized medicine, making healthcare more efficient, effective, and tailored to individual patient needs across India.