The pharmacogenomics, which costs ₹5,000, guides doctors in prescribing medicines suitable for a person. The image is used for representative purposes only.
| Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES
Imagine a single test that can guide your doctor on which medicines will work best for your body, not just today, but for the rest of your life. AIG Hospitals, in collaboration with GenepoweRx, has launched an affordable pharmacogenomics test – which helps doctors prescribe medicines based on an individual’s genetic makeup.
Every person metabolises medicines differently. Some drugs that work well for one individual may be ineffective, or even harmful, for another. The pharmacogenomics test analyses a patient’s genetic code to predict how their body responds to common medications for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological and psychiatric conditions, and pain management.
The test is priced at ₹5,000, a fraction of the ₹80,000 charged for similar genomic tests in Western countries. The test results can be used anytime in the future. Patients receive a personalised report booklet, which can be shown to any doctor, anywhere, ensuring all future prescriptions are tailored to their genetic profile, said D. Nageshwar Reddy, chairman, AIG Hospitals.
The launch follows a joint study involving more than 2,000 patients, which revealed that nearly 30% were taking medicines that were not suited to their genetic makeup. In some cases, the dosage needed to be increased, while in others it needed to be reduced. The mismatch led to poor treatment outcomes or avoidable side effects.
How the test works?
A 2 ml blood sample is drawn at AIG Hospitals. DNA is extracted and analysed using sequencing technology on validated platforms such as Illumina and MGI. Approximately 5 GB of genomic data per patient is processed to determine how the body metabolises drugs across multiple disease pathways. The results are compiled in a report and delivered to the patient within 12–13 days, said Hima Challa, clinical genomics expert, Harvard Medical School, who is part of the project.
The test evaluates around 120–190 genes that influence drug metabolism. It is not disease-specific, instead, it provides a comprehensive profile of how an individual responds to medications for any condition. Even if a patient develops a new disease or is prescribed a new drug in the future, the information can guide correct dosing.
Data sources and research
The test uses a combination of AIG Hospitals’ own study of over 2,000 Indian patients and UK Biobank data, which includes about 15% Indian representation among a million participants. This ensures that genetic variations specific to the Indian population are considered before arriving at a decision.
Cost and benefits
“Beyond affordability, the test can reduce pharmaceutical costs by preventing over-prescription and unnecessary high dosages, while also avoiding complications and hospitalisations caused by adverse drug reactions,” said Dr. Reddy.
Published – October 23, 2025 05:05 pm IST
