Genomind Press

Clinicians and Patients Gain Powerful Advanced Test for Mental Health as the Genecept Assay Builds on Existing Patient Success

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — Jan. 19, 2016 — James Crawford of Alexandria, Va., has suffered from depression most of his life; it was so bad that he often felt as if he were “drowning.” His psychiatrist recommended that he take the Genecept Assay® from Genomind (www.genomind.com) to examine key genes in his body that affect how he may respond to medication. The Genecept Assay is a genetic test that requires only a cheek swab from the patient.

Crawford’s psychiatrist used the Genecept Assay test results to help guide treatment and subsequently made significant changes in Crawford’s medication regimen based on his personal genetic test report. Since then, Crawford reports that his depression has lessened. “It has been a relief just understanding these are the cards I was dealt,” he says.

Now, others such as Crawford will be able to receive even more insight into their individual genetic makeup as the Genecept Assay has added eight more genes to its existing panel of 10, making it the most comprehensive pharmacogenetic test available for psychiatry. Genomind has expanded its existing panel to 18 total genes based on the critical examination of hundreds of published studies showing that variations in these genes can inform treatment decisions in psychiatry.

The new, expanded Genecept Assay, launched this month, assists clinicians by providing them with clinically actionable genetic information that can be used to help more patients feel better. The new test covers the additional indications of chronic pain and substance abuse, as well as the previous indications of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism and schizophrenia.

The expanded Genecept Assay helps to reduce the time, expense and struggle of finding the right treatment by trial and error. With the expanded test, the Genecept Assay now covers more than 15 drug classes, 103 medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 18 clinically validated genes and 97 percent of medications used to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder and autism, and offers comprehensive coverage of pain medications.

In comparison to competitors, the Genecept Assay analyzes the most clinically relevant genes all in one comprehensive test panel. Specifically, it tests for variations in 12 pharmacodynamic genes that indicate the effect a drug has on the body, subsequently informing drug candidate selection. It also analyzes six pharmacokinetic genes that indicate the effect the body has on the drug via metabolism, which helps to inform drug dosage.

In a recent study, clinicians reported that 87 percent of their patients showed improvement with treatment guided by the Genecept Assay.

“Genomind’s mission is to improve the lives of patients with mental illness by bringing innovative technologies to conventional clinical care—the newly expanded Genecept Assay fulfills this mission, and we are pleased it’s ready for clinical use right now,” says Michael Koffler, Genomind’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

The Genecept Assay is available through licensed and prescribing clinicians. It requires only a small sample of saliva, collected by swabbing the inside of the cheek with a cotton swab. The sample is sent to the Genomind CLIA laboratory for testing. Test results are reported to the ordering clinician within 3–5 business days of sample receipt at the laboratory.

About Genomind

Genomind is a personalized medicine company bringing innovation to mental health care through genetic testing. Genomind is comprised of pioneering researchers and thought leaders in psychiatry and neurology and specializes in pharmacogenetic laboratory testing for psychiatry. Genomind is committed to partnering with clinicians to improve their patients’ lives. Learn more at www.genomind.com.

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