World’s first bedside genetic test endorsed
Developed in Canada and conducted by researchers from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, in partnership with Spartan Bioscience, the world’s first bedside genetic test has received acknowledgment by The Lancet. The article entitled ‘Point-of-care genetic testing for personalisation of antiplatelet treatment (RAPID GENE): a prospective, randomised, proof-of-concept trial’ reports on the use of a simple cheek swab test, the Spartan RX CYP2C19, performed by nurses at the patient’s bedside. This revolutionary technology allows patients with the genetic variant CYP2C19*2 to be rapidly identified. Cardiac stent patients with this variant are at risk of reacting poorly to standard anti-platelet therapy with Plavix (clopidogrel).
The study demonstrated that tailored drug treatment therapy made possible by genetic testing successfully protected all of the patients with the at-risk genetic variant from subsequent adverse events, while 30 per cent of patients treated with standard therapy did not receive adequate protection. The test is a significant step towards the realisation of personalised medicine.
