MedGenome Labs Ventures into Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Business, Offers Easy-To-Do Genetic screening in India

MedGenomeLabs, a genomics and clinical data-driven diagnostics and drug discovery research company, today launched its direct-to-consumer category under the brand name Genessense for consumers in India. Under Genessense, MedGenome will offer specialized, evidence-based genetic screening tests that can be ordered online through the Genessense website or via e-commerce platforms in future.

The company that operates one of the biggest genomic testing labs with highly specialized tests in South Asia will initially offer two tests – namely Kardiogen and Curegen under the umbrella of personal genomics.

Kardiogen will be India’s first Polygenic Risk Score based predictive test for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) with a proven specificity of 90% for Indian population. Kardiogen will help one assess the risk of developing Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD) or heart attacks based on their genetic makeup while Curegen is a genome-based drug response test that will outline individual’s reaction to different drugs or medications. The test will help consumers in avoiding adverse drug reactions and improving response to medications.

Kardiogen is the outcome of two years of rigorously validated framework in collaboration with leading cardiac centres in India and abroad that has been peer reviewed and published.

According to a study published in the Journal of Genetics, the estimated prevalence of CAD in India is about 10.5% of the population which extrapolates to a burden of about 32 million affected individuals. It also highlights that in the last few years, the incidence of cardiac disorders has increased from 2% to 10.5% of the urban population in the and the early age of onset is a new countrywide trend.

Speaking about the launch, Dr Vedam Ramprasad, CEO, MedGenome, said, “Heart diseases caused by gene mutations are rare, however, it can be fatal. While the awareness to identify these mutations in the patients is increasing, we also need to understand that myocardial infarction/CAD (common specially in the young) can also be strongly influenced by genes. Millions of gene variants together influence the onset of this disease and can result in death at a younger age, but it is a strong interplay with lifestyle, diet, and risk factors.

With the help of these tests, it is now possible to understand who are at higher genetic risk and modify other non-genetic factors to alleviate the total risk and prevent unwanted deaths and morbidity. Also, arming doctors with such vital information based on one’s genetic profile could help them make informed decisions about the treatment regimen.”

In a first, these tests have been developed and validated on South Asian and Indian population groups by MedGenome.