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Figure 1. GeneMedRx interaction entry screen allows for input of genotypes, multiple medications, herbals, over-the-counter medicines, foods, patient factors and recreational drugs to assess the risk of interactions.
(Figure omitted. See article PDF.)
Figure 2. GeneMedRx interaction report for tamoxifen, paroxetine and CYP2D6 intermediate metabolizer status that predicts the reduction in tamoxifen efficacy for this combination.
(Figure omitted. See article PDF.)
Figure 3. GeneMedRx interaction report for tamoxifen, paroxetine and CYP2D6 intermediate metabolizer status with the mechanism details displayed for the paroxetine interaction and the alternative options selected to display alternative medications that do not rely on the CYP2D6 pathway for metabolism.
(Figure omitted. See article PDF.)
Genelex Corporation is a pioneer in quality-assured and consumer-oriented DNA testing. First in the 1990s for forensic and paternity testing, since 2000 in genetic testing for the key cytochrome P450 drug metabolizing enzymes, 2D6, 2C9 and 2C19, and now in providing GeneMedRx. GeneMedRx is the most comprehensive software tool available for the detection of drug interactions, interpretation of pharmacogenetic DNA test results, and overall management of patient medication regimens. Incorporated in Washington State, USA in 1987, Genelex is privately held and seeks capital investment, strategic partners and licensing opportunities to expand GeneMedRx''s utility as a comprehensive platform for personalized medication management. Projects at various stages include expansion of market reach, development and incorporation of proprietary new algorithms, genetic test development and integration with complementary software programs.
Wider use of GeneMedRx, especially when DNA test results are available, has the potential to greatly reduce the epidemic of adverse drug outcomes, described by the US FDA as a major public health problem (Box 1). Adverse outcomes to ''properly'' prescribed medicines are the third or fourth leading cause of death in the USA if we add treatment failures to overdose toxicity caused by undetected drug interactions and patient genotypes [1]. Underlying this problem is the fractured nature of medication management because of the lack of a central repository for patient information, large numbers of patients taking multiple medications, inadequacies of the most widely used drug interaction detection systems and a generalized failure to apply the latest scientific knowledge to clinical medicine [2].
In 2000, Genelex was clearly ahead of the market for pharmacogenetic testing. Now, in 2008, personalized medication management,...