NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Pathway Genomics announced today that nationwide pharmacy Walgreens will begin selling the firm's Insight Saliva Collection Kit at its retail stores beginning in mid-May.
The deal includes most of Walgreens 7,500 stores nationwide, but not those in New York State, due to more stringent laws governing direct-to-consumer genetic testing. The State of New York requires a separate license to offer such services.
The kit includes a small saliva collection kit, instructions, and a postage-paid envelope that can be used to send saliva samples to Pathway Genomics' lab. Consumers then can use the firm's website to create an account and order individualized Genetic Insight tests, including Report for Drug Response, Pre-Pregnancy Planning, and Health Conditions.
The saliva collection kit will sell for between $20 and $30, and the individual tests vary in cost from $79 to $179, or $249 for a combination of the three.
"We're revolutionizing the way people access information about their genetics, and through thousands of convenient Walgreens locations, we're making it easier and more affordable than ever before to order a personalized genetic report," Jim Plante, CEO of San Diego-based Pathway Genomics, said in a statement.
The firm operates a lab in California that has a license from that state as well as federal CLIA certification.
Pathway Genomics, however, is not the first DTC genetic testing firm to sell its products through a retail chain. In late 2007, Sorensen Genomics inked a deal with Rite Aid stores in California, Washington, and Oregon to sell the firm's Indentigene DNA Paternity Test Kit.