Unveiling the Silent Epidemic: Adverse Drug Reactions and the Power of Pharmacogenomics

By Moni Lustig, 
President & Chief Executive Officer

In the realm of healthcare, certain challenges remain hidden from the spotlight, garnering little attention despite their significant impact on lives. One such silent epidemic is Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), a pressing concern that often remains invisible in the media. Surprisingly, ADRs are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and it's about time we shed light on this critical issue.

A Hidden Crisis: The Scale of Adverse Drug Reactions

Adverse Drug Reactions encompass a range of unintended and harmful effects that arise from the use of medications. These reactions can occur due to various factors, including individual genetics, interactions between drugs, and underlying health conditions. What's startling is the scale of this problem – studies estimate that ADRs cause more than 100,000 deaths annually in the United States alone, ranking them as the fourth leading cause of death.

Beyond fatalities, the toll of ADRs extends to hospitalizations and healthcare costs. Over 2,500,000 individuals find themselves in hospitals every year due to severe drug reactions, a situation that not only endangers lives but also strains healthcare resources.

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Dr. Aaron Goldman, PhD
Chief Science Officer
 

As someone deeply entrenched in the intersecting realms of pharmacology and genomics, I find myself increasingly captivated by the transformative potential of pharmacogenomics. This field isn't just another buzzword; it's the bedrock upon which the future of personalized medicine is being built. Despite the obvious promise of tailoring drug treatments based on individual genetic profiles, the pace of integrating pharmacogenomics into clinical trials has been disappointingly slow. In this article, we'll delve into why it's absolutely imperative for the scientific community to accelerate this integration, thereby optimizing the safety and effectiveness of new medications.

A More Nuanced Understanding of Drug Interactions: Traditionally, clinical trials involve a large cohort of participants receiving varying doses of a medication to test its efficacy and side effect profile. However, the one-size-fits-all approach ignores the inherent genetic variability that influences drug metabolism and response. Pharmacogenomic studies can provide a more nuanced understanding of why certain sub-populations respond differently to the same drug. These studies could lead to personalized dosage plans based on genetic makeup, maximizing therapeutic benefits while minimizing risks.

For example, it's well-established that variations in the CYP2D6 enzyme can significantly affect the metabolism of drugs like tamoxifen, commonly used in treating breast cancer. Utilizing pharmacogenomics, clinical trials can identify optimal dosages for individuals with different CYP2D6 profiles, leading to more effective and safer treatments.

Optimize Your Health Beyond National Wellness Month

  By Elana Lustig, 
  Director of Marketing

As August comes to a close, we reflect on the significance of National Wellness Month and the importance of prioritizing our health and well-being. At DNA Labs, we believe that taking charge of our wellness is a journey that lasts not only for a month but for a lifetime. Our genetic testing solutions empower you to make informed decisions about your health, paving the way for a healthier and happier you.

Throughout National Wellness Month, we’ve been reminded of the vital role that genetics play in shaping our individual well-being. Our comprehensive genetic tests provide valuable insights into your predispositions, allowing you to tailor your lifestyle choices to align with your unique genetic makeup. Whether it’s managing stress, optimizing nutrition, or adopting a personalized fitness routine, our genetic testing solutions are designed to guide you on the path to a healthier life.

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