Myriad Genetics has announced promising results from a new study showing that patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) experienced significantly fewer psychiatric hospitalizations after receiving the GeneSight Psychotropic Test. The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, suggest that pharmacogenomic testing may help clinicians make more informed medication decisions for patients with depression.
The study, titled "Real-World Impact of Pharmacogenomic Testing on Medication Use and Healthcare Resource Utilization in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder," analyzed data from nearly 21,000 patients with MDD who received the GeneSight test. Researchers observed a 39% relative reduction in psychiatric-related hospitalizations and a 29% reduction in all-cause hospitalizations following testing.
"Millions of Americans face major depressive disorder each year, and the GeneSight test provides genetic insights that may help healthcare providers personalize the selection of mental health medications," said Dale Muzzey, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Myriad Genetics. "This study found lower psychiatric-related hospitalizations following use of the GeneSight test, suggesting that GeneSight may help healthcare providers identify effective medications and reduce the trial-and-error prescribing process that can lead to increased healthcare resource utilization."
Key Findings and Clinical Implications
The research revealed an almost 40% relative reduction in the proportion of patients who filled prescriptions with significant gene-drug interactions after GeneSight testing. This suggests clinicians are actively using the test results to guide treatment decisions.
Notably, patients who were switched to medications with no or moderate gene-drug interactions showed even greater benefits:
- 44% relative reduction in psychiatric hospitalizations
- 34% relative reduction in hospitalizations for any reason
These findings are particularly significant given the challenges of treating depression. According to previous research published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, many patients don't respond well to initial medication trials, with response rates declining with each subsequent treatment attempt.
Dr. Crystal Nelson, a practicing psychiatrist in Newnan, GA, commented on the clinical value of the test: "As a practicing psychiatrist, this study reinforces my decision to order the GeneSight test for my patients. Many patients don't respond well to the first prescribed medication and the rate of positive medication response declines after that. My patients who suffer from major depressive disorder often share a renewed sense of hope after I tell them about and order the GeneSight test. Many of them share that they are relieved to learn that genetics may have been a reason why a medication failed them."
Study Methodology and Limitations
The study methodology involved linking more than half a million de-identified patients who received the GeneSight test to administrative insurance claims from a nationwide data warehouse in the United States. The researchers evaluated medications prescribed before and after testing, as well as healthcare resource utilization patterns.
While Myriad Genetics believes the GeneSight test contributed to the observed reductions in problematic prescriptions and hospitalizations, it's important to note that the study did not include a non-GeneSight control group. This limitation means the research cannot definitively establish causation or determine the exact extent to which the testing influenced the outcomes.
About the GeneSight Test
The GeneSight Psychotropic Test is a pharmacogenomic (PGx) test that analyzes how a patient's genes may affect their response to more than 60 medications commonly prescribed for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other psychiatric conditions. The test examines genetic variations that influence how individuals metabolize and respond to different medications.
By providing this genetic information, the test aims to help clinicians personalize treatment plans and potentially avoid medications that may be less effective or cause adverse effects based on a patient's genetic profile. The GeneSight test is designed to supplement other clinical information as part of a comprehensive assessment.
The Burden of Depression and Treatment Challenges
Major depressive disorder affects millions of Americans annually and represents a significant public health challenge. The condition is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and various physical and cognitive symptoms that can substantially impair daily functioning.
Finding effective treatment for depression often involves a trial-and-error approach, with many patients cycling through multiple medications before finding one that works. This process can be lengthy, frustrating, and costly, potentially leading to increased healthcare utilization, including hospitalizations.
The potential of pharmacogenomic testing to streamline this process by providing personalized medication guidance represents an important advancement in psychiatric care. By helping clinicians identify medications more likely to be effective based on a patient's genetic profile, tests like GeneSight may improve treatment outcomes while reducing healthcare costs associated with ineffective treatments.
As precision medicine continues to evolve, pharmacogenomic testing may become an increasingly important tool in the management of psychiatric conditions, potentially transforming the standard of care for patients with depression and other mental health disorders.
