Columbia University Medical Center’s Center for Biomedical Informatics Collaborates with Admera Health in a Clinical Study, Evaluating Pharmacogenetics in Psychiatric Medications

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, N.J., July 25, 2017 -- Admera Health, an advanced molecular diagnostic laboratory, has been selected by Columbia University Medical Center’s Center for Biomedical Informatics to supply its powerful 50-gene pharmacogenomic testing panel for major study to test comprehensive pharmacogenomic testing on treatment of major depressive disorders.

The objective of the prospective, randomized double-blind study will be to evaluate the potential benefit of integrating Admera’s 50-gene pharmacogenetic test, PGxOne™ Plus, and interpretive report for the management of psychotropic medications used to treat major depression in an outpatient practice. The PGxOne™ Plus test is a Next Generation Sequencing panel that provides recommendations for over 300 drugs and 14 therapeutic areas, including psychotropic, pain management, cardiovascular, and oncology. The trial will prospectively enroll a total of 206 patients and randomize all participants into two groups.

Pharmacogenomic testing is increasingly being used as a promising tool in optimizing medication regimens by identifying genetic biomarkers of personal response to particular drugs. To a large extent, variability in antidepressant efficacy can be explained by genetic variations that affect medication-metabolizing enzymes, drug transporters, and medication targets.

A secondary objective will be to quantify pharmacogenomic-guided care with reduction of depressive symptomatology and medication side effects, and improvements in medication adherence, quality of life, and patient and provider attitudes.

The study, titled “Impact of Comprehensive Pharmacogenomic Testing on the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder” will be led by Joseph Finkelstein, M.D., Ph.D. and Director of the Center for Bioinformatics and Data Analytics. Dr. Finkelstein noted, “We are thrilled to receive Columbia’s IRB approval to undertake this study. Clinicians know pharmacogenomic testing can potentially improve patients’ quality of life and save money but the previous prospective randomized trials have not all been conclusive. We hope to fill that gap by applying a comprehensive multi-gene panel covering a spectrum of medications used to treat various chronic health conditions.”

Zeil Rosenberg, M.D., Vice President for Medical Affairs at Admera Health, stated, “We are very happy that our Next Generation Sequencing panel, which looks at nearly 200 genetic variants that can result in poor drug metabolism, has been chosen for this important study. Although we have done over 15,000 clinical tests in the community setting, this will be one of the very first studies to document efficacy and cost savings in a strict independent scientific manner.”

About Admera Health

Admera Health is a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited advanced molecular diagnostics company focused on personalized medicine, non-invasive cancer testing, digital health, and providing clinical research services. Research and development efforts are dedicated to developing cutting-edge diagnostics that span the continuum of care. Utilizing next generation technology platforms and advanced bioinformatics, Admera Health seeks to redefine disease screening, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and management through its innovative, personalized solutions. It is our mission to deliver transformative, valuable solutions for patients, physicians, and clinical researchers. We are committed to improving the health and well-being of our global community through the direct delivery of personalized, medically actionable results.

Admera Health Contact:
Brady Millican
VP Business Development
908-222-0533
[email protected]