Phenomix Sciences Validates MyPhenome Test for Predicting GLP-1 Response Across Diverse Patient Populations
Key Insights
Phenomix Sciences (search) presented studies at Obesity Week 2025 demonstrating that their MyPhenome test accurately predicts patient response to GLP-1 (search) therapies like semaglutide across diverse populations.
The genetic test showed consistent predictive power in post-bariatric surgery patients and racially diverse groups, with Hungry Gut positive patients achieving nearly double the weight loss.
A large-scale 88,200-patient analysis revealed the test's potential as a screening tool for obesity risk and related conditions like type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea.
Phenomix Sciences (search) announced significant validation of its MyPhenome genetic test at Obesity Week 2025, demonstrating the diagnostic tool's ability to predict patient response to GLP-1 (search) therapies across diverse populations and clinical scenarios. The studies, led by Mayo Clinic researcher and Phenomix co-founder Andres Acosta, MD, PhD, reinforce the test's clinical utility in precision obesity medicine.
Consistent Predictive Performance Across Patient Populations
Two key studies presented at the conference demonstrated the MyPhenome test's robust predictive capabilities regardless of patient demographics or medical history. In post-bariatric surgery patients, those identified with the Hungry Gut phenotype lost an average of 10.0% of total body weight at six months when treated with semaglutide, nearly double the weight loss achieved by Hungry Gut negative patients (5.2%, p=0.05).
The test's effectiveness extended to racially and ethnically diverse populations in a separate study of 158 patients (43% African American, 34% Asian, 23% Other). Hungry Gut positive patients demonstrated superior weight loss outcomes, losing an average of 9.6% of total body weight at 12 months compared with 4.4% among Hungry Gut negative patients (p=0.002).
"These results show that we have a tool, the MyPhenome test, that can accurately predict response to semaglutide regardless of patient population," said Andres Acosta, MD, PhD, Co-Founder of Phenomix Sciences (search). "That's a major step forward in precision obesity medicine, confirming that therapy response can be understood and anticipated before a treatment plan even begins."
Large-Scale Population Screening Potential
The most comprehensive analysis involved 88,200 patients and explored the MyPhenome test's potential as a population-level screening tool for obesity and related diseases. Patients with high Genetic Risk Scores (GRS) demonstrated significantly elevated risks for multiple conditions. These individuals showed higher rates of obesity (46% vs 31%, p<0.0001), type 2 diabetes (OR 1.46, p < 0.0001), and obstructive sleep apnea (OR 1.60, p < 0.0001) compared to those with lower scores.
"This large-scale data set reinforces what we've seen in clinical studies: our MyPhenome test consistently reveals the biological variability in obesity and the best candidates for GLP-1 (search) treatment," said Mark Bagnall, CEO of Phenomix Sciences (search). "It not only strengthens our diagnostic foundation in therapy response, but also opens the door to discovering novel therapeutic targets through our AI-driven predictive models."
Clinical Implementation and Technology
The MyPhenome test utilizes a simple cheek swab combined with a proprietary machine-learning Genetic Risk Score to help healthcare providers develop customized treatment plans. The test encompasses lifestyle and diet interventions as well as medication and procedure recommendations, representing the first commercial precision medicine test for obesity.
The diagnostic tool is currently deployed across nearly 400 healthcare clinics nationwide, reflecting growing adoption of precision medicine approaches in obesity management. Phenomix Sciences (search) developed the technology through exclusive licensing from Mayo Clinic, combining proprietary genetic testing with advanced analytics and clinical data.
Advancing Precision Obesity Medicine
The validation studies underscore the potential for genetic testing to transform obesity treatment by enabling personalized therapeutic approaches. The findings support the broader movement toward precision medicine in obesity care, helping clinicians make informed treatment decisions while potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Bagnall noted that while more studies will be required, the research demonstrates tremendous potential to shape early intervention and prevention strategies for obesity and related metabolic conditions. The company's approach aligns patient biology with drug discovery efforts, supporting pharmaceutical partners in developing more targeted and effective therapies.