Cascade of Studies, New Clinical Tests Build the Case for Genetic Testing in Pharmacy Care Says Me...(ation Services Inc. Frueh - who prior to...),Health

Date:2/26/2009

ation Services, Inc., Frueh - who prior to leading Medco's pharmacogenomic research efforts led a core genomics review team at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and chaired the first FDA-wide, interdisciplinary pharmacogenomics review group - said health care payors were an "overlooked constituency" in the emerging field of personalized medicine, but the improved outcomes and potential savings make it extremely pertinent to their interests.

Frueh cited several examples where gene tests can reduce the costs of care, including cancer therapies, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars a month. For instance, a $500 test for the HER-2 gene could determine whether spending $50,000 a year for a specific breast cancer drug makes sense, since the drug does not work on two-thirds of patients who are Her-2 negative.

Cost savings aside, the clinical need for testing is paramount. For example, a genetic screening can help prevent the occurrence of potentially fatal hypersensitivity reactions, which can result from the use of a certain HIV medication (abacavir) and seizure medication (carbamazepine) in patients with a genetic pre-disposition.

Frueh identified 11 drugs that likely will be paired with genetic tests if and when they reach the market between now and mid-2010. These compounds include treatments for cancer, heart failure, HIV, COPD/asthma, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and high cholesterol.

Medco and Personalized Medicine

Medco has existing research collaborations with Mayo Clinic studying genetic consideration in the use of warfarin, and with LabCorp for breast cancer patients using tamoxifen. Medco anticipates having the results of these studies available within the next year. The company also has a research partnership with the Food and Drug Administration aimed at improving patient health and the quality of the delivery of care via ph
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SOURCE Medco Health Solutions, Inc. Copyright©2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

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