Millennium Laboratories Launches Innovative Pharmacogenetic Test, Paving the Way for Personalized Medicine in the Field of Pain Management

SAN DIEGO, June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Millennium Laboratories, the leading research-based clinical diagnostic company dedicated to improving the lives of people suffering from pain, announced today the introduction of Millennium Pharmacogenetic Testing (PGT). Millennium PGT is saliva-based testing to detect genetic variations in enzymes associated with the metabolism of medications commonly prescribed to patients suffering from debilitating chronic pain and pain-related effects. This testing will help clinicians identify patients who may benefit from modifying the drug selection or dosing of certain prescribed opioids including methadone, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

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"This novel testing provides insight into whether or not a patient will experience the anticipated effect of a prescribed medication or be at increased risk for additional side effects," said Howard Appel, President of Millennium Laboratories.

Medication metabolism differs greatly among individuals and may partly be the result of genetic variations in metabolizing enzymes. These genetic variations can result in clinically significant differences in response to prescribed medications. By identifying genetic variations in drug-metabolizing enzymes, clinicians can more effectively personalize each patient's treatment. Incorporating pharmacogenetic testing into clinical practice has significant potential to improve the efficacy of drug treatment and reduce adverse effects by providing information that allows clinicians to better predict and understand patient responses to medications(1-3).

"Millennium's proprietary pharmacogenetic testing is an objective tool to individualize therapy and potentially improve patient outcomes," said Appel. "Identifying genetic characteristics that affect how commonly prescribed medications are metabolized is an example of how personalized medicine may improve the lives of those suffering from pain. Millennium is proud to introduce this best-in-class pharmacogenetic testing to the market."

"Pharmacogenetics is an emerging technology across many areas of clinical medicine that has already started to affect certain clinical decisions and likely will play an increasingly important role in pain medicine, especially in the area of safe prescribing," said Michael Brennan, M.D., a nationally recognized pain specialist practicing in Fairfield, Connecticut. "In select chronic pain patients, the combined use of urine drug testing and pharmacogenetic testing can help answer important clinical questions."

Appel called today's announcement "a major milestone" for people suffering from pain. "Since our founding in 2007, Millennium has quickly become the leader in the field of medication monitoring and drug detection," he said. "As that leader, it is incumbent upon us to continue to advance the science of pain management by introducing the newest technologies and advanced clinical tools. Today's announcement represents the culmination of a more than two-year effort."

All testing and analysis are performed at Millennium's state-of-the-art pharmacogenetics laboratory in San Diego. Millennium PGT is currently available upon request to healthcare professionals in select regions across the United States. The company anticipates nationwide availability later this year.

About Millennium Laboratories

Millennium Laboratories (http://millenniumlabs.com/) is the leading research-based, clinical diagnostic company dedicated to improving the lives of people with chronic pain. The company provides healthcare professionals with medication monitoring, drug detection and pharmacogenetic testing services to personalize treatment plans to improve clinical outcomes and patient safety.

Millennium's commitment to advancing the science of pain management includes a strong focus on industry research, education and advocacy. Through its association with the Millennium Research Institute, a nonprofit national research center, it has gained respect as a leader in providing healthcare professionals with education and research to advance the assessment and management of chronic pain.

1. Argoff CE. Clinical implications of opioid pharmacogenetics. Clin J Pain . 2010;26(1):s16-s20.
2. Fishbain DA, Fishbain D, Lewis J, et al.  Genetic testing for enzymes of drug metabolism: does it have clinical utility for pain medicine at the present time? A structured review. Pain Med, 2004;5(1):81-93.
3. Phillips KA, Veenstra DL, Oren E, et al. Potential role of pharmacogenomics in reducing adverse drug reactions. A systematic review. JAMA, 2001;268(18):2270-79.

SOURCE Millennium Laboratories