Harmonyx Launches Chronic Pain Medication Test

Harmonyx has unveiled a new genetic test evaluating chronic pain medication’s efficacy and side effect risk, the Cordova, Tenn., devicemaker announced Tuesday. The kit’s findings provide individual details about which medication genetically matches a patient, guidance for dosing and possible side effects.

Using a swab-based approach, the test measures the after-effects of eight genes on patient metabolic functioning against more than 20 pain medications, ranging from ibuprofen to oxycodone. A doctor must approve the Harmonyx test, with pharmacists and physicians seeing test results returned in about 24 hours after the laboratory has received the test.

Acute pain is responsible for more than 70 percent of emergency room visits. Doctors often prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug as treatment, which can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, a potentially life-threatening side effect. The company says being aware of a patient’s genetic makeup can help prevent serious adverse events.

Harmonyx also provides tests for antiplatelet (Plavix/clopidogrel), statin (Zocor/ simvastatin) and ADHD medications. — Jason Scott