Millennium Laboratories, a clinical diagnostic company, has launched a saliva-based Millennium Pharmacogenetic Testing (PGT).
Millennium PGT is designed for detecting genetic variations in enzymes associated with the metabolism of medications commonly prescribed to patients suffering from debilitating chronic pain and pain-related effects.
PGT will also help clinicians to identify patients who may benefit from modifying the drug selection or dosing of certain prescribed opioids including methadone, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
Millennium Laboratories president Howard Appel said the testing provides insight into whether or not a patient will experience the anticipated effect of a prescribed medication or be at increased risk for additional side effects.
"Millennium's proprietary pharmacogenetic testing is an objective tool to individualize therapy and potentially improve patient outcomes," Appel added.
"Identifying genetic characteristics that affect how commonly prescribed medications are metabolized is an example of how personalized medicine may improve the lives of those suffering from pain."
