Kimball Genetics, Inc. is pleased to
announce today the launch of its Warfarin Sensitivity DNA Test for
research/investigational purposes. Warfarin is the most frequently
prescribed oral anticoagulant used for the prevention and treatment of
thromboembolic events. However, it is a difficult drug to manage due to its
narrow therapeutic range and inconsistent patient response resulting from
inter-individual variability. Genetic information available from the new
pharmacogenomic test will help predict response. The Warfarin Sensitivity
DNA Test determines the presence of specific variations in the CYP2C9 and
VKORC1 genes that confer sensitivity to warfarin and thus significantly
reduce the required maintenance dose. CYP2C9 is involved in warfarin
metabolism and VKORC1 influences warfarin’s anticoagulation effect through
vitamin K. Kimball Genetics expects to offer the Warfarin Sensitivity DNA
Test for routine clinical use early in 2007.
The FDA Clinical Pharmacology Subcommittee of the Advisory Committee
for Pharmaceutical Sciences has recommended testing for variations in the
CYP2C9 and VKORC1 in patients requiring warfarin therapy. The drug label
will reflect this recommendation soon.
The Warfarin Sensitivity DNA Test that Kimball offers informs the
prescriber about the presence of genetic risk factors for
overanticoagulation and should help achieve the correct maintenance dose
faster. It is also likely to increase the safety and efficacy of warfarin
treatment. The DNA test identifies patients who are sensitive to warfarin
and who therefore: 1) require a lower dose to achieve a target INR, 2) may
be at an increased risk for bleeding complications, and 3) without the DNA
test, would require a longer period of time to achieve stable warfarin
dosing.
Kimball Genetics welcomes research and clinical trial collaborations
and with academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and other
companies requiring genotype information for studies involving warfarin.
One such project currently underway is “Pharmacogenetics for Coumadin” with
pathologist Dr. David Feldman of the St Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in
Houston, TX.
“We are excited to be expanding into the pharmocogenomic arena with the
Warfarin Sensitivity DNA Test,” says Dr. Annette K. Taylor, President and
CEO of Kimball Genetics, Inc. “With our one day turnaround time we believe
we will be able to offer physicians the quick answers they need regarding
their patients’ sensitivity to warfarin and their dosing requirements.”
Kimball Genetics is committed to the growing application of pharmacogenomic
testing to mainstream medicine and plans to offer more tests in 2007 and
beyond. “This is the beginning of a new era of personalized medicine which
will allow individual customization of drug therapy,” remarks Dr. Taylor.
Kimball Genetics is a member of the Personalized Medicine Coalition, a
non-profit group of academic and industrial organizations, patient groups,
and healthcare providers dedicated to advancing the adoption of
personalized medicine for the benefit of patients.
About Kimball Genetics, Inc.
Founded in 1994 by Annette K. Taylor, M.S., Ph.D., Kimball Genetics is
a national DNA diagnostic laboratory located in Denver, CO and specializing
in testing for common genetic disorders that are preventable or can be
treated. Known for its unparalleled turnaround time and distinctive focus
on genetic counseling and education, the company’s major areas of testing
currently include inherited hypercoagulability, celiac disease,
hemochromatosis, cystic fibrosis, and fragile X syndrome. The Warfarin
Sensitivity DNA Test is Kimball’s first offering in an exciting new
pharmacogenomics program.
Kimball Genetics, Inc.
kimballgenetics
View drug information on Warfarin Sodium tablets.