Pharmacogenomic testing reveals how your unique gene responds to different drugs. This information enables you doctors to prescribe gene compatible drugs reducing adverse side effects of medications. As a result the need for prolonged hospitalization and recovery period is significantly reduced. Subsequently, the cost of treatment also goes down drastically. However, in spite of these benefits there are some pharmacogenomic misconceptions amongst multiple stakeholders.
There are many speculations regarding the effects of it on healthcare industry and the effectively of the testing. The following section of the blog would delve deeper into some common myth regarding pharmacogenomics.
Common Myth Surrounding Pharmacogenomics
Pharmacogenomic testing is widely used across the United Sates and is the treatment for multiple serious diseases like cancer. However, there are certain myths regarding Pharmacogenomics. Let’s check out some pharmacogenomic misconceptions.
1. It is a Research Tool Only
Parmacogenomic testing has perceived as a threat for the pharma industry. Many industries believe that PGx is a research tool and is still in an incipient state to make a market impact. They believe that it only aids in identifying drug affectivity. However, PGx testing is both a research tool that allows you to study genetic profiles and determine drug reactivity.
On the other hand, it also has substantive applicability. It has clinical applicability as it allow physicians to predict the compatibility and efficacy of certain drugs for specific patients.
2. PGx is a Future Prospect
Another common myth is that PGx testing is an evolving field. Many pharmaceutical companies believe that it would take at least five to six years for physicians to use it. However, in reality various studies have shown that pharmacogenomic testing is recommended by physicians for a long time. It has been used for treating liver disease, breast cancer, and heart diseases and so on.
3. PGx is an Added Financial Burden
Many in the medical fraternity believe that PGx is only increasing the cost of treatment. However, PGx testing is actually a cost-effective treatment. It is a onetime test, since you genetic profile does not change over time. By conducting a simple blood sample test you can obtain a comprehensive report on your genetic profile.
There are some top clinics offer comprehensive test reports who conducts pharmacogenomics (pgx) testing Washington. This report makes it easier for your physicians to easily determine drug compatibility and cure disease faster. As a result, your health care cost goes down significantly.
4. PGx Testing Destroy the Market of Top Medical Drugs
There is a myteh and resistance for PGx testing as it is believed that it would destroy the market of some top drugs. However, in reality PGx testing can both enhance and reduce the market impact of drugs. For instance, drug Y is administered to everyone with a disease X. However, PGx testing might suggest that drug Y is not suitable for some people with certain genetic components.
This might partially affect the market of drug Y but it still would be gene compatible for most people. On the other hand PGx testing can increase the demand for some other drugs from which the pharmaceutical companies can gain considerable profit.
Conclusion
The blog has discussed some of the common misconception related to PGx testing. It is actually a widely practiced testing tool with siginificant clinical relevance and applications. The most positive part of PGx testing is that it can significantly reduce treatment time and costs. As far as market impact of PGx testing is concerned, it is understand that it might lessen or enhance the demand of certain medication but within limit.
