Indian Doctors Advocate Genome Testing for Personalized Medicine
Why Indian doctors are recommending genome tests before prescriptions
Image: The Times Of India
In India, pharmacogenomic testing is gaining traction among doctors as a means to tailor medications based on genetic profiles. This shift is evident in various specialties, with tests helping to optimize treatment outcomes for patients with chronic conditions. However, barriers such as cost and awareness remain.
- 01Pharmacogenomic testing analyzes how genes affect medication responses and is increasingly used in Indian hospitals.
- 02Tests like the Mira One panel bundle multiple assessments to streamline the process and improve patient understanding.
- 03The Indian genomic testing market is valued at approximately USD 550 million and growing at 18% annually.
- 04Key patient scenarios for testing include those on ineffective chronic medications and individuals with significant family medical histories.
- 05Despite its potential, pharmacogenomic testing is not yet routine due to high costs and limited clinician awareness.
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Pharmacogenomic testing is becoming more common in India, as doctors recognize its potential to personalize treatment based on genetic information. A recent case involved a patient whose genetic report revealed a variant in the MTHFR gene, leading to a successful treatment adjustment. Hospitals such as AIIMS and Fortis are beginning to incorporate these tests into their practices, particularly for patients at risk of adverse drug reactions. The Mira One panel from PreventiveHealth.ai aims to simplify the testing process by combining various assessments into one. Despite the promising growth of the genomic testing market, valued at about USD 550 million, challenges such as high costs (ranging from ₹15,000 to over ₹50,000) and a lack of awareness hinder widespread adoption. Doctors emphasize the importance of using these tests judiciously, particularly for patients with chronic conditions or strong family histories of disease. As patients increasingly arrive with genetic reports, the medical community faces the challenge of integrating this information into clinical practice.
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The integration of pharmacogenomic testing could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with chronic conditions.
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