Helix, a leader in population genomics and precision health, has unveiled a novel precision effectiveness model that predicts the 12-month weight loss response of semaglutide in diverse populations. The research, presented at the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) 2024 Annual Meeting, leverages data from the Helix Research Network (HRN) to provide personalized insights into patient response.
Predictive Model Details
Researchers at Helix developed an integrated polygenic risk score that, when combined with co-morbid factors such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension, can predict an individual's weight loss response to semaglutide treatment over 12 months. The study revealed that among users of 2.4mg semaglutide, those in the top quintile of the newly developed score were approximately two times more likely to achieve a 10% weight loss compared to those in the bottom quintile, after correcting for sex and genetic similarity.
Potential Clinical Applications
According to Matthew Levy, Ph.D., senior research scientist at Helix, this model has the potential to transform precision medicine for patients treated with semaglutide. By providing dosage-specific weight loss expectations and predicting patient response likelihood, clinicians can ensure patients receive the most appropriate treatment from the outset. The model can be used to:
- Identify individuals most likely to respond to treatment
- Improve shared decision-making regarding obesity treatment
- Provide estimates of expected weight loss over time
- Guide dosage considerations to balance weight loss goals with potential side effects
Helix Research Network
The research was conducted using data from the Helix Research Network (HRN), a large and rapidly growing precision clinical research network. The network includes leading health systems across North America, such as the Medical University of South Carolina, HealthPartners, and Renown Health. This network facilitates innovative studies across various therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and autoimmune disorders, to drive drug discovery and development.
Additional Research Highlights
In addition to the semaglutide model, Helix presented other research at ASHG 2024, including:
- A retrospective study on clopidogrel, highlighting the importance of pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing. The study found that 25% of individuals prescribed clopidogrel had a mismatch between their recommended dosage and their prescribed dose, with 12% being poor metabolizers who should not have been prescribed the drug at all. Of these mismatched individuals, 25% experienced thrombosis after starting clopidogrel.
- A study developing a method to predict future cardiovascular disease risk by estimating the number of KIV-2 repeats within an exome profile to predict Lipoprotein a (Lp(a)) levels. This method is particularly impactful in non-European ancestries, where past risk score methods have been less effective.
William Lee, Ph.D., chief science officer at Helix, emphasized that the Helix Research Network marks a significant advancement in precision health, enabling the extraction of meaningful insights from a comprehensive clinicogenomics dataset across North America. He stated that through collaborations with partners, Helix is generating insights that will shape the future of medicine, guiding more effective, personalized treatments across a range of diseases.
