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Helix Unveils New Pharmacogenomic Test Suite

Helix, a pioneer in precision health, has made a significant advancement in personalized medicine by expanding its pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing portfolio. On May 28, 2025, the company announced a new range of tests designed to enhance patient care in the fields of oncology and neurology. The new tests include important innovations aimed at identifying genetic variations that may affect individual responses to treatment, especially with chemotherapy and Alzheimer's medications.

Understanding Pharmacogenomics

Pharmacogenomics merges pharmacology and genomics to study how genes affect a person's response to drugs. This discipline plays a crucial role in tailoring effective treatments based on genetic profiles, thereby minimizing adverse drug reactions. With Helix's new tests, patients and healthcare providers gain valuable insights that can lead to safer and more effective treatment strategies.

Key Features of the New PGx Tests

One highlighted addition to Helix’s testing lineup is the PGx Fluoropyrimidines DPYD Test, specifically developed to detect variants in the DPYD gene. These variants can indicate increased susceptibility to severe side effects from certain chemotherapy agents used in treating various cancers, including colorectal, breast, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers. This test is particularly critical, as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network has acknowledged the significance of assessing DPYD gene variants for safer treatment protocols.

In addition, Helix has launched an innovative PGx APOE test. This test assesses a patient’s APOE gene status, which is relevant for the latest Alzheimer's drugs like Leqembi and Kisunla. Notably, individuals carrying two copies of the APOE ε4 allele are at heightened risk for serious side effects attributed to these medications. By incorporating these tests into clinical practice, Helix significantly enhances the safety net for vulnerable patients dealing with neurodegenerative diseases.

Accelerating Innovation in Healthcare

Helix's pharmacogenomic tests utilize the Exome+® assay and a sophisticated star allele caller, ensuring high accuracy across diverse patient populations. The company’s Sequence Once, Query Often® model allows for efficient genetic testing whereby patients only need their exomes sequenced once, making subsequent tests more convenient and less invasive.

Dr. Patrick J. Cawley from the Medical University of South Carolina emphasized the importance of these tests, stating, “This is really about quality and safety, and is something we should be doing for every patient on these medications.” He further highlighted that the partnership between MUSC and Helix aims to seamlessly integrate genetic insights into patient care, showcasing a move toward personalized medicine that is now practically accessible.

A Commitment to Improving Health Outcomes

The launch of Helix’s new PGx tests is also backed by its extensive involvement in the Helix Research Network™. This clinical research network, which is one of the largest and fastest-growing globally, creates impactful real-world evidence to support genomic research and the integration of genomics into standard healthcare practices. Through collaborations with various health systems, Helix is dedicated to improving health outcomes and understanding the clinical utility of genomics.

Recent findings from the network indicate alarming trends, with nearly 30% of patients prescribed antiplatelet medications receiving inappropriate drug regimens, leading to a significant increase in major adverse events. By focusing on at-risk populations—particularly cancer patients and those with neurodegenerative conditions—Helix aims to refine treatment regimens and reduce potential complications.

Expanding the Reach of Pharmacogenomics

The newly launched PGx test offerings encompass medications not only for cancer but also for cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal conditions, and pain management. They complement existing tests for mental health medications and immune suppression treatments, ultimately striving to assist clinicians in providing safer, tailored care.

For more information about Helix's comprehensive test catalog, visit Helix's website. Through these innovative endeavors, Helix is setting the stage for a future where treatment is more personalized, effective, and safer for all patients—a true game changer in healthcare.