AutoGenomics, Genomas Team to Develop Statins Stress Test

AutoGenomics and Genomas have entered into a strategic alliance to develop assays and test platforms to better guide physicians in properly dosing statins. Statins, which are used to regulate cholesterol levels in patients to reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease, are among the most prescribed medications in the United States. About 57 million Americans are currently prescribed the medication. A study published earlier this year by researchers from Duke University in the New England Journal of Medicine suggested that another 13 million should take the medication under expanded eligibility guidelines. Although statins are mostly safe, they do pose the risk of muscle pain and damage in a significant subgroup. The collaboration between the California-based AutoGenomics and the Connecticut-based Genomas, which is based at Hartford Hospital, is intended to address that issue. The two companies would merge their existing products in order to create a test that would predict the risk of muscular issues in individual patients. “Growing evidence indicates that genetics determines who develops muscle complaints with statins,” said Paul D. Thompson, M.D., chief of cardiology at the Henry Low Heart Center at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Conn. “The partnership will allow us to pursue the final implementation studies of the multigene biomarker system to personalize cardiovascular therapy.” Neither company issued a timeline regarding development of a specific test or how their collaboration is structured. A spokesperson for AutoGenomics did not respond to a request for comment. Takeaway: Common treatments can be further refined through the use of genomic testing.