The pilot, part of Bupa’s My Genomic Health scheme, looked at the genes of 2,200 adults to see how their bodies respond to everyday medicines
Most people have genetic traits that can influence their body’s reaction to common medicines(Image: Getty Images)
A pilot gene testing scheme has revealed that a significant number of people possess genetic traits that can influence their body’s reaction to common medicines, potentially increasing side effects or reducing how effective the drugs are. In the trial, 2,200 adults had their genes examined to find out how their bodies respond to over-the-counter drugs such as antibiotics and painkillers.
The pilot, part of Bupa’s My Genomic Health programme, found that a staggering 99 per cent of participants carried at least one genetic variant that could affect their response to certain medications. This means that for some people, everyday medicines may not work as they should, or could result in more side effects.
The scheme also screened for genetic risks associated with 36 preventable diseases, including cancer, heart conditions, and type 2 diabetes.
It’s suggest common medicines only currently work for 30-50 per cent of the population(Image: Getty Images)
The findings showed that 91 per cent had a genetic and lifestyle risk for at least one disease, while nearly half (49 per cent) have a genetic variant that could increase the risk of certain conditions in their children.
Moreover, 73 per cent were found to have multiple genetic markers that increased their risk for issues like high cholesterol, skin cancer, or type 2 diabetes, many of which could be prevented or detected early.
Dr Rebecca Rohrer, clinical innovation and genomics director for Bupa, said: “We’ve long known that most medications only work for 30-50 per cent of the population. However, this pilot has highlighted just how significantly individual genomes impact the effectiveness of medications in treating conditions.
“With more than half of us regularly taking prescription medication and an increasing number affected by a chronic condition, it’s crucial that people are prescribed the right medicine from the start, tailored to their unique genetic makeup.
“In the longer term, genomics is key to early detection and even preventing some illnesses altogether.”
Following the successful pilot, Medication Check can now be purchased through Bupa, and will also be available to over three million customers as part of its workplace health scheme.
A simple saliva test will determine which medications are likely to be effective, those carrying a heightened risk of adverse side effects, or treatments that simply won’t work for individual patients.
A gene assessment could help prevent or detect illness at earlier stages(Image: Getty Images)
After completing the home-based medication assessment, patients will have a GP consultation with the healthcare provider to discuss any treatments flagged up in their genetic analysis.
This move aligns with Bupa’s plans to roll out two additional products within its My Genomic Health range later this year, aimed at helping to prevent or detect illness at earlier stages.
The DNA Health Check will provide individuals with an early alert to heightened genetic risks of four distinct conditions – breast cancer, prostate cancer, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Meanwhile, the Advanced DNA Health Check will amalgamate insights from medication, disease risk, carrier status and traits, examining the genetic risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, metabolic disease and 10 types of cancer.
Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global, India & UK, said: “Whole genomic sequencing is fundamentally changing our approach to healthcare, pivoting from treatment to prevention.
“It has the power to become a health passport that people can reference throughout their lives.
“We firmly believe genomics is the path to health innovation and prevention, reducing the nation’s health burden and giving people personalised knowledge of their own genomic profile to live well for longer.”