Pharmacogenetics Applied into Clinical Practice

The future of personalised medicine is all about tailoring medical treatments according to an individual's personal genetic makeup. The genetic basis of variability in drug response is already a well-researched subject. However, its practical applications are few and far between. Applying pharmacogenetics into clinical practice requires a highly sophisticated and reliable decision support tools. GeneRx database serves this purpose.

Pharmacogenetics has been shown to cut down health care costs and increase the effectiveness of medical treatments when used to full advantage. The activity of metabolic enzymes is the most important factor in individual drug response, right after drug interactions. Over 150 different drug substances have been found to be affected by the genetic variation in enzyme metabolic rates. Pharmacogenetic tests allow physicians to select the right drugs with the right dosage according to the patient's individual genotype. GeneRx helps the physician to identify the cases, in which genetic testing is recommended, and gives clear instructions on how to interpret the genetic test results.

Abomics GeneRx database has been developed in collaboration with health professionals to meet the rigorous demands of modern health care. The database includes information about genotypes that are associated with clinically relevant variation in drug responsiveness or drug-induced adverse effects. GeneRx contains only genetic tests that have scientifically proven value. GeneRx consists of the following information:

1. Active ingredient, ATC code(s), generic drug name
2. Genetic variations related to the drug
3. Information about the phenotype affected, e.g. metabolic rate
4. Recommendation texts, e.g. dosing recommendations
5. References
6. Available genetic tests and their indications
7. Genetic test providers, contact information and ordering instructions

The database is currently available in English, Finnish, Swedish and German and will be translated to more languages according to customer needs.

Abomics GeneRx integrates seamlessly to electronic health record systems' (EHR) drug database. The database update is available as an automated scheduled service. Our database is regularly updated and delivered as XML messages. The messages are unambiguous and well documented. Technical white papers, example data and schema definitions are delivered upon request.

As an integrated solution, the EHR system alerts immediately whenever there is clinically significant genetic variation in drug safety or efficacy. The system then gives clear instructions for the treating physician on what to do in these cases. Dosing recommendations, available genetic tests and their providers are all included in the database.