AssureRx Expands GeneSightRx® Pharmacogenetic Profile with Sixth Gene to Enhance Guidance of Psychiatric Drug Prescribing

CINCINNATI, Feb. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AssureRx Health, Inc. today announced that it has expanded its laboratory-developed GeneSightRx® pharmacogenetic test with a sixth gene, CYP2C9, to further support clinicians in prescribing medications for behavioral health patients.

The addition of the CYP2C9 gene, variations of which can cause loss of function involved in the metabolism of certain psychotropic medications, provides physicians with further information on gene polymorphisms responsible for variations in the metabolism of antidepressant and antipsychotic medications. GeneSightRx will now measure and analyze fifty clinically important genetic variants of six genes that affect patients' response to medications prescribed in psychiatric medicine.

The enhanced six-gene Web-based therapeutic decision support product analyzes genetic variants which may affect a patient's ability to tolerate or respond to psychotropic medications. GeneSightRx integrates the analysis of genes and their variations to obtain an evidence-based pharmacogenetic profile. These gene variations are then analyzed against 26 FDA-approved drugs to help physicians select the appropriate psychotropic medications for each patient. In addition to the CYP2C9 gene, GeneSightRx analyzes genetic variations in the CYP2D6, CYP2C19, and CYP1A2 genes, as well as the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4 and the serotonin 2A receptor gene 5HTR2A.  

"GeneSightRx provides objective measures to help physicians avoid prescribing drugs that may cause adverse drug reactions or poor response in certain patients. Improving drug safety is a key company objective," said James S. Burns, president & CEO of AssureRx. "Our goal is to build the leading medical informatics company providing pharmacogenetic and other treatment decision support products to help physicians individualize the treatment of patients with neuropsychiatric and other disorders."

John A. Bellano, senior vice president of sales & commercial programs at AssureRx Health said, "Variations of the CYP2C9 gene affect several commonly used psychiatric medications. Its inclusion in GeneSightRx allows us to further differentiate the AssureRx technology from routine genotyping tests. Enhancing GeneSightRx with the CYP2C9 gene now provides physicians with even more information about their patients' unique genetic fingerprint, allowing them to make more informed medication choices for each individual patient. Our goal is to provide treatment-oriented support that helps reduce the risk of side effects and delays in achieving response."

About GeneSightRx

GeneSightRx is a laboratory developed genetic test that uses cutting edge technology to measure and analyze clinically important genetic variants in psychiatric medicine. The results of the report can help a doctor understand the way a patient's unique genetic makeup may affect certain psychiatric drugs. The analysis is based on pharmacogenetics, the study of the genetic factors that influence an individual's response to drug treatments, the FDA approved manufacturer's drug label, and scientifically valid published reports and/or proven pharmacology. Quick turnaround time, combined with a customized report of the patient's genetic makeup, clinical experience, and other factors can help a physician make personalized drug treatment choices for each individual patient. To learn more about pharmacogenetics and GeneSightRx, please click here. Be sure to watch the educational video.

About AssureRx Health

Cincinnati-based AssureRx Health, Inc. is a personalized medicine company that specializes in pharmacogenetics and is dedicated to helping physicians determine the right drug at the right dose for individual patients suffering from psychiatric disorders. The company was founded in 2006 to commercialize industry-leading personalized medicine technology. Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Mayo Clinic are equity holders and technology collaborators.

SOURCE AssureRx Health, Inc.