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Navigenics Adds Genetic Drug Response Results to Service; Offers PGx Wallet Card

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Originally published April 30.

Direct-to-consumer genomics firm Navigenics has added to its service offerings a new medications feature that reports specific genetic abnormalities that might impact customers' response to a dozen drugs.

In addition to the service add-on, Navigenics is providing customers with a wallet-sized report of their pharmacogenomic response to various drugs. This Medications Wallet Card contains a condensed version of the genetic response to as many as 12 prescription drugs, which Navigenics began reporting as part of its DTC service this week.

The company will provide test results for the beta blocker Coreg, the anti-clotting drug Plavix, statins Lipex, Pravachol and Vytorin, the anticoagulant warfarin, as well as cancer treatments and HIV drugs.

"Whether you are taking any of these medications now or simply want to be prepared for the future, you and your doctor can use your genetic information to avoid potential problems and choose medications that are more likely to be a good fit for you," Navigenics states on its blog, announcing its pharmacogenomic offerings.

Those who are already customers of Navigenics $999 Health Compass Service can access their genetic predisposition to diseases and their phamacogenomic results by logging into their account. The comprehensive services also include unlimited access to board-certified genetic counselors who can help guide customers through their results and next steps.

For physicians participating in Navigenics' Physician Portal, they can also access their patients' medications results through their account.

More so than other DTC genomic firms, Navigenics has tried to incorporate data from its service into medical practice. Last year, the company launched an online portal that allows doctors to access their patients' genetic data and introduced a lower-priced, pared down version of its genetic testing service for gauging peoples' genetic predisposition for 10 common conditions. The Annual Insight service costs $499 (PGx Reporter 02/04/09).

Since 2008, Navigenics has linked with MDVIP network, a collective of physicians spread across 25 states and Washington, DC, and who practice preventative and personalized healthcare. Under the collaboration, MDVIP doctors will use the Navigenics testing service to identify an individual’s risk for developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart attack, and celiac disease (PGx Reporter 12/10/08).

In February, Navigenics raised $18 million in funding from Procter and Gamble, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and Mohr Davidow Ventures. With P&G's reach into the cosumer market, Navigenics said it hoped to "strengthen [its] position to embed personal genomics into the prevention dialogue of everyday healthcare."

In addition, Navigenics' clinical partners include the Mayo Clinic, Scripps, Duke Medicine, and Partners Healthcare.

- TR

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