ParagonDx Forms Partnership With Iverson Genetic Diagnostics
Posted on: Tuesday, 8 April 2008, 12:01 CDT
ParagonDx, LLC, a leader in genetic testing diagnostics, has formed a strategic alliance with Iverson Genetic Diagnostics Inc., a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified laboratory based in Seattle. Under the terms of the agreement, Iverson Genetics will use ParagonDx's products to test patients to determine if they possess genetic traits shown to increase or decrease sensitivity to warfarin. Warfarin is a blood thinner that prevents and treats blood clots and is also known as Coumadin.
Since warfarin dosing is related to an individual's genetic make-up, prospective testing should improve the ability of doctors to tailor a patient's dose to his or her unique genetic makeup. The typical trial-and-error method of dosing puts patients at considerable risk. Too much warfarin increases the chance of excessive bleeding, while too little can lead to dangerous episodes of blood clotting.
Before its alliance with ParagonDx, Iverson Genetics used a blood-based method for determining the correct warfarin dose. While that test was better than trial and error, it took 2-3 days to get results. The saliva-based test, using ParagonDx components, delivers results in the same day. It is in the best interest of patients that they get on the proper dose of warfarin quickly, which will dramatically reduce the number of emergency room visits caused by giving too much or too little of the drug.
"Doctors need to make dosing decisions about warfarin on the spot," said Dean Sproles, CEO and founder, Iverson Genetics. "Our same-day turnaround will bring the benefits of genetic testing to patients immediately. Doctors and clinics have enthusiastically welcomed our warfarin test, and we expect to do at least 5,000 tests per month by July."
"We are proud to partner with Iverson Genetics to deliver the best in pharmacogenomic testing," said Michael Murphy, president and CEO of ParagonDx. "With this test, Iverson Genetics is making the practical benefits of warfarin testing--improved safety and decreased adverse drug reactions--a reality for patients now."
About ParagonDx
ParagonDx, located in Research Triangle Park, NC, is a leading provider of applied molecular diagnostic products. A pioneer in the field of pharmacogenomics, ParagonDx has broadened its expertise into molecular diagnostic products. ParagonDx develops and markets reference controls for laboratory quality control and diagnostic kits that bring the promise of personalized medicine to physicians and patients. ParagonDx was the first company to bring FDA-cleared human genomic reference controls to the market. These products will enhance patient safety, improve patients' response to therapy and help realize the promise of personalized medicine. For additional information, please visit www.ParagonDx.com.
Source: Business Wire
Related Articles
- Value of Genetic Testing for Preventing Blood Clots Unproven, According to New AHRQ Study
- Coalition for 21st Century Medicine Endorses 'Patient Access to Critical Lab Tests Act'
- Cepheid Molecular Diagnostic Test for Positive Blood Culture Bottles Categorized 'Moderate Complexity' By FDA
- DNA Direct and Iverson Genetics Announce Partnership to Provide Personalized Patient Reports for Warfarin Dosing Test Results
- ParagonDx and Iverson Genetics Enter into Partnership
- Iverson Genetic Diagnostics Offers FDA Cleared Warfarin Test
- Genetic Testing Cited for Blood Thinner
- Stanford Blood Center Testing All Donated Blood for West Nile Virus
- Humphrey Cancer Center Patients Benefit From Genetics Counseling Effort
 |
 |
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds