AssureRx adds gene to test for psychiatric drug impact

Personalized drug company AssureRx Health Inc. has added a fifth gene to a genetic test […]

Personalized drug company AssureRx Health Inc. has added a fifth gene to a genetic test and analysis that determines how psychiatric medicines could impact individual patients.

AssureRx added gene CYP1A2 to its pharmacogenetic test, called GeneSightRx, which measures and analyzes more than 40 clinically important genetic variants that affect patients’ response to medications prescribed in psychiatric medicine, the company said in a release. The CYP1A2 gene is involved in the metabolism of commonly used drugs, including antidepressants and antipsychotics.

“GeneSightRx now provides physicians with even more information about their patients’ unique genetic fingerprint, allowing them to make more-informed medication choices for each individual patient,” James S. Burns, president and CEO of AssureRx, said in the statement. “Our goal is to provide treatment-oriented support that helps prevent needless side effects and delays in achieving response.”

AssureRx launched GeneSightRx in October, several months after hiring Burns, the former head of oncology at drug maker EntreMed. Then, the company was preparing for a broader commercial launch and a round of private equity funding. In September, the company was approved for a $1.2 million low-interest loan from the state of Ohio to help with $1.6 million in costs for new computer and laboratory equipment, intellectual property acquisition and protection, as well as other expenses.

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