The test, powered by Affymetrix microarray technology, employs devices to analyze genetic variation detected from genomic DNA to determine drug dosages and adverse drug reactions.
Adverse drug reactions cause a huge number of hospitalizations in the US, said Heino von Prondzynski, CEO Division Roche Diagnostics and Member of the Roche Executive Committee. For patients it is extremely important to know whether pain killers or anesthetics might work differently or not at all for them. Poor or slow metabolizers may experience much longer lasting effects of the treatment. The knowledge of the reasons behind this will empower people to ask for different and better-to-tolerate medicines.
The AmpliChip CYP450 Test combines Roche’s polymerase chain reaction amplification technology, which replicates even minute amounts of genetic material to detectable levels, and Affymetrix high-density microarray technology, which uses semiconductor technology to create tiny glass chips dispersed with DNA fragments.
The test demonstrates a significant breakthrough in medicines, but although von Prondzynski is optimistic that the new technology will eventually help to produce potentially life-saving medicines, executives at Roche are warning that the arrival of a medicine that facilitates diagnosis by passing an electronic gadget over a patient is still a long way off.
Roche hopes to secure sales of the technology for $100m a year, capitalizing on a market that could be worth $10-20m.
