A pilot gene testing scheme has revealed that a significant number of people possess genetic traits that can influence their body’s reaction to common medicines, potentially increasing side effects or reducing how effective the drugs are.
In the trial, 2,200 adults had their genes analysed to find out how their bodies respond to over-the-counter drugs such as antibiotics and painkillers.
The pilot, part of Bupa’s My Genomic Health initiative, discovered that an astonishing 99 per cent of participants carried at least one genetic variant that could influence their response to certain medications.
This implies that for some people, everyday medicines may not function as expected, or could lead to increased side effects.
The scheme also screened for genetic risks linked with 36 preventable diseases, including cancer, heart conditions, and type 2 diabetes.
The results showed that 91 per cent had a genetic and lifestyle risk for at least one disease, while nearly half (49 per cent) possess a genetic variant that could heighten the risk of certain conditions in their offspring.
Furthermore, 73 per cent were found to have multiple genetic markers that increased their risk for issues like high cholesterol, skin cancer, or type 2 diabetes, many of which could be prevented or detected early.
Dr Rebecca Rohrer, clinical innovation and genomics director for Bupa, said: “We’ve long known that most medications only work for 30-50 per cent of the population. However, this pilot has highlighted just how significantly individual genomes impact the effectiveness of medications in treating conditions.
“With more than half of us regularly taking prescription medication and an increasing number affected by a chronic condition, it’s crucial that people are prescribed the right medicine from the start, tailored to their unique genetic makeup.
“In the longer term, genomics is key to early detection and even preventing some illnesses altogether.”
After the successful pilot scheme, Medication Check is now available for purchase through Bupa, and will also be offered to over three million customers as part of its workplace health programme.
A straightforward saliva test will establish which medications are likely to be effective, those carrying a heightened risk of adverse side effects, or treatments that simply won’t work for individual patients.
After completing the home-based medication assessment, patients will undergo a GP consultation with the healthcare provider to discuss any treatments highlighted in their genetic analysis.
This development corresponds with Bupa’s strategy to launch two further products within its My Genomic Health collection later this year, designed to help prevent or identify illness at earlier phases.
The DNA Health Check will offer people an early warning system for elevated genetic risks across four separate conditions – breast cancer, prostate cancer, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Meanwhile, the Advanced DNA Health Check will combine information from medication, disease risk, carrier status and traits, analysing the genetic likelihood of developing ailments including heart disease, metabolic disease and 10 forms of cancer.
Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global, India and UK, said: “Whole genomic sequencing is fundamentally changing our approach to healthcare, pivoting from treatment to prevention.
“It has the power to become a health passport that people can reference throughout their lives.
“We firmly believe genomics is the path to health innovation and prevention, reducing the nation’s health burden and giving people personalised knowledge of their own genomic profile to live well for longer.”