International healthcare group Bupa has announced an Australian-first initiative, offering free pharmacogenomic testing kits to its health insurance customers until the end of the year.
Partnering with myDNA, the aim is to help customers understand how their individual genetic profiles may affect their response to more than 100 different medications.
Testing is done via a simple cheek swab, with customers able to order an at-home kit through Bupa’s digital health platform, Blua, and at Bupa’s Medical Centres.
The test examines 11 key genes that influence the body’s response to more than 100 medications, including those affecting mental health, heart health, cholesterol management, and pain management.
The results are sent to the customer’s GP. Customers are required to see their GP to discuss the results.
‘Understand individual patient responses to medication’
Bupa Clinical Innovation and Genomics Director, Dr Simon Benson says pharmacogenomic testing is designed to offer clinicians a more accurate understanding of their individual patients’ response to medication to help support more effective prescribing.
“Currently, medications are prescribed without knowing how an individual’s genetic makeup may impact their response to the medication. Sometimes finding the right medication can require some trial-and-error,” says Dr Benson.
“Pharmacogenomic testing can help inform medication choices, reduce side effects, and limit unnecessary healthcare cost.
“Pharmacogenomics can provide information to support healthcare providers and patients in understanding how an individual may respond to certain medications, helping to inform more personalised treatment decisions.”
‘Ease pressure on health system’
Dr Benson says pharmacogenomics could help ease pressure on the health system as it has the potential to reduce avoidable hospital admissions and return GP visits linked to problems with medications.
“The results of an individual’s pharmacogenetic testing need to be discussed with their GP as part of their ongoing treatment plan,” he says.
“Finding the right medication and reducing side effects with guidance from healthcare professionals can potentially help increase patient adherence to treatment plans and contribute to improved health outcomes.”
For more information, visit: blua.bupa.com.au/genomics/personalised-medicine.
