#United States #Quest Diagnostics #Secaucus #Personalized Medicine #pharmacogenomics

Quest Diagnostics Introduces Advanced Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Offering

On September 4, 2025, Quest Diagnostics, a significant player in diagnostic information solutions, announced a groundbreaking advancement in the realm of pharmacogenomics (PGx). This new laboratory test service is tailored to empower healthcare providers with insights into their patients' genetic responses to various drug therapies, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of medication selection and dosing across multiple medical fields including psychiatry, oncology, cardiology, and more.

Understanding Pharmacogenomics

Pharmacogenomics studies how a person's genetic makeup affects their response to drugs. By identifying genetic variations that influence drug metabolism, efficacy, and safety, healthcare professionals can significantly reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions and improve therapeutic outcomes. Recognizing the complexity that genetics introduces to treatment—especially when patients are on multiple medications—Quest's new PGx service seeks to simplify this process for clinicians.

According to Steven Keiles, General Manager of US Specialty Genetics and Genomics Services at Quest Diagnostics, “Healthcare providers recognize the crucial, yet often complex, role that genetics can play in drug response.” The new service is designed to diminish guesswork, allowing practitioners to make informed decisions based on genetic data.

The PGx Testing Offer

Quest Diagnostics' pharmacogenomics service tests 17 genes and 4 HLA alleles associated with well-established drug-gene interactions, providing essential insights that can dramatically influence treatment plans. The test results will be accompanied by a comprehensive report that includes genotype and predicted drug response, alongside guidance on medications. This is facilitated through a collaboration with Coriell Life Sciences, providing a personalized report that aids clinicians in optimizing patient medication regimens.

Clinicians will also have access to GeneDose LIVE, Coriell Life Sciences' clinical decision-support tool, helping them evaluate the risks associated with prescribed therapies in light of genetic information. By harnessing this integration of genetics and medication management, the new service aims to bring about a significant shift in how healthcare providers approach treatment plans.

Impacts on Healthcare Costs

Research indicates that PGx testing can prevent therapeutic failures and avoid adverse drug interactions (ADIs), which are a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. The comprehensive spectrum of this testing not only holds potential to enhance patient outcomes but also aims to mitigate unnecessary healthcare costs associated with drug complications. The Quest PGx offering is backed by evidence from recognized entities such as the FDA and the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC), ensuring that all gene-drug associations are current and actionable.

Accessibility and Implementation

Patients can access this innovative testing by obtaining a requisition from their healthcare provider at one of Quest's patient service centers across the United States. For enhanced convenience, Quest also offers at-home phlebotomy collection services, catering to those facing barriers to in-office testing.

The Vision Ahead

InformedDNA's partnership with Quest has been pivotal in turning intricate genetic data into accessible guidance for healthcare providers. Dr. Jeffrey Shaman, Vice President of Medical Affairs at InformedDNA states, “Together, we're giving providers the tools they need to deliver truly individualized care that improves treatment success and optimizes initial medication choices.”

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Quest Diagnostics is at the forefront of integrating genetic testing into routine clinical practice, striving for a future where personalized medicine becomes the standard. This advancement not only has the potential to transform healthcare delivery but also underpins a broader movement towards understanding and leveraging genetic diversity in patient care.