Walgreens Stores To Offer Genetic Testing From Pathway Genomics Over the Counter

The test will check for 23 specific conditions, and some of which fall into chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. You can also purchase from the website which has been available for a while now. Not too long ago we heard about CVS and their relationship with Generation Health.

CVS Caremark Launching Collaborating with Generation Health To Launch Program to Predict Patient Response for a Dozen Drugs With Genetic Testing

The Walgreens program to be released this week though is the only one I have seen so far to be sold over the counter. Also, in the news is the agreement with insurer United to begin targeting and using their data to find those who have the “potential” of developing diabetes. This would be an interesting combination should one fall under one list to see if the same holds true at the other end, in other words comparing DNA to claim data that has been mined. We can analyze now until the sun goes down (grin).

UnitedHealthCare To Use Data Mining Algorithms On Claim Data To Look For Those At “Risk” of Developing Diabetes – Walgreens and the YMCA Benefit With Pay for Performance Dollars to Promote and Supply The Tools

ABC News had this video with some additional information to give you an idea as to how this will work and the FDA and others are a bit skeptic on how this is going to work at the consumer level. BD

San Diego’s Pathway Genomics, which announced plans last July to offer consumers a personal genome test for $250, says it will begin selling its genetic test this week at about 80 percent of Walgreens stores nationwide, according to a front page story in today’s Washington Post.

“We believe the market is ready for this,” Jim Woodman, a Pathway Genomics vice president of corporate strategy, told the newspaper. “We think there’s more awareness of genetics these days.”

For $249, a prospective patient can get a suite of tests to determine whether they carry 23 specific genetic conditions, including diabetes and polycystic kidney disease, as well as their genetic risk for 23 health conditions, including heart attack, high blood pressure, lung cancer, and multiple sclerosis. Or, for $179, the company will test for either the 23 specific genetic conditions or test their risk for 23 health conditions.

David Becker, Pathway’s chief science officer, says the test does not have to have FDA approval, based on the company’s understanding of current regulations. Walgreens is expected to begin selling the kits, beginning Friday, at 6,000 of its 7,500 stores.