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Pharmacogenomics (PGx) for doctors and other healthcare professionals

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) for doctors and other healthcare professionals

Make choices guided by genetics and reduce medication trial and error.

The Biron pharmacogenomic test analyzes genetic variants that influence the effects of medications used for mental health problems, ADHD and pain management.

This DNA test enables you to personalize choices and dosages of over 140 molecules according to the patient’s genetic results.

Accreditations and certifications

Our laboratory is CAP certified – College of American Pathologists

Our laboratory is CAP certified – College of American Pathologists

Our systems are Soc2 Type II accredited

Our systems are Soc2 Type II accredited

Who can prescribe and benefit from PGx testing?

Who can prescribe and benefit from PGx testing?

  • General practitioners and specialists
  • Pharmacists
  • Nurse practitioners

Why prescribe a pharmacogenomic test for your patient?

Your patients’ well-being is important, but the road to recovery can be hindered by a lengthy trial and error process not tailored to your patients’ individual characteristics [1]. The pharmacogenomic test enables you to make more informed decisions.

Using a pharmacogenomic test helps to reduce the incidence of adverse reactions of medications and increase the efficacy of treatments. [2,3]

Pharmacogenomic testing is recommended by CANMAT in cases of suboptimal response to an initial antidepressant.

Two thirds of patients do not achieve remission from a major depression following their first treatment with antidepressants. [3]
Pharmacogenomics increases the chances of achieving remission in major depressive disorders by 41%.[2] (Meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials)

Pharmacogenomic testing (PGx) – a major asset for your practice

Reduces the prescription of ineffective treatments

Determine the medication and dosage best suited to your patients, based on their slow or fast metabolism.
Reduces the prescription of ineffective treatments

Guides your treatment choices

Identify the medications with a higher or lower probability of response, based on the patient’s genetic profile.
Guides your treatment choices

Identifies predispositions to side effects

Enhance your patients’ well-being by prescribing medications and dosages that limit side effects.
Identifies predispositions to side effects

Helps in managing complex cases

Adjust heavy treatments for patients with complex illnesses more easily.
Helps in managing complex cases

What genes are tested in the Biron pharmacogenomic test?

The Biron PGx test identifies common and rare genetic variants across multiple ethnic backgrounds, increasing the chance of obtaining clinically relevant patient data.

What medications are covered by the Biron PGx test?

See the list of 145 medications covered by our pharmacogenomic tests here.

Pharmacogenomic test report – an essential, clinically validated tool

  • Reviewed clinical guidelines. We reference and integrate all peer-reviewed clinical guidelines in the report.
  • Co-created with psychiatrists. We co-created the report with psychiatrists to offer an intuitive format that breaks down your patient’s predispositions to medication effects into three categories: 1) Exposure, 2) Efficacy, 3) Adverse drug reactions.
  • Fewer false negatives. We provide the most comprehensive list of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variants in Canada in order to offer fewer false negative results than other pharmacogenomic tests for mental health problems and pain management.
  • All alleles are tested. We test all key alleles identified in the “Minimum, evidence-based genetic testing panel” for psychiatry and recommended by the Association of Molecular Pathology (AMP, Tier 1).
  • Recommendations based on clinical evidence. Our pharmacogenomic recommendations are provided using an open and peer-reviewed approach that ensures transparency.
Get access to a sample PGx test report

How to prescribe a pharmacogenomic test to a patient

Step 1: Fill in the requisition

Fill in the requisition and give it to your patient.

Step 2: Obtain the test kit

Patients can order their test kit online, or you can offer them the option of picking it up at your clinic. Contact us for this option.

Step 3: Take the sample and send it to the lab

The patient takes a saliva sample according to the instructions in the kit. They send the sample, requisition and consent form (if applicable) by mail, using the envelope provided.

Step 4: Consult the report

An email notification is sent as soon as the results are ready (roughly five working days after receipt of the sample). You can view the report directly on the Biron portal. The patient also has access to their results on the portal.

Resources for healthcare professionals

Here are some online resources to support your practice, from prescribing the test to interpreting the report.

To learn more about pharmacogenomic testing, contact the Biron Genetics team.

Write to us
1 866 923 9222

FAQ

Find the answers to your questions in our FAQ section or write to us at genetique@biron.com for any other question.

See the FAQ
Sources3
  1. Van Schaik RHN, Müller DJ, Serretti A and Ingelman-Sundberg M. (2020) Pharmacogenetics in Psychiatry: An Update on Clinical Usability. Front Pharmacol 11:575530.
  2. Brown et al. (2022) Clin Pharmacol Ther 112(6):1303-1317.
  3. Trivedi et al. (2006) Am J Psych 163, 28-40.