"Genomics is to play a pivotal role in healthcare innovation. It’s a game-changer in supporting the UK’s health ambitions, offering the potential to ease pressure on healthcare systems and GPs. "
- Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global, India & UK
Last year, Bupa became the first major private healthcare provider to pilot whole genome sequencing to selected customers in the UK. With 2,200 participants, this pilot revealed that 99% had a genetic variant affecting their sensitivity to certain medicines.
READ MORE: Bupa becomes first major private healthcare provider to pilot whole genome sequencing in the UK
91% of participants were found to be at risk of developing a disease with genetic and lifestyle risk factors, such as fatty liver disease and breast cancer. Furthermore, 73% had multiple genetic variants that put them at higher risk of developing a condition, and 49% were found to be carriers of a genetic variant that could affect future generations.
In response to this pilot, Bupa has launched ‘Medication Check’ to support customers’ understanding of which medications are likely to be effective, as well as adverse side effects and - based on an individual’s genome sequence - medications that won’t work at all.
After completing Bupa’s Medication Check, customers will have access to a GP consultation to review any medications identified in their genetic test results. This service is offered on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Alongside Medication Check, Bupa will add two additional products to its ‘My Genomic Health’ suite later this year: ‘DNA Health Check’ and ‘Advanced DNA Health Check’.
DNA Health Check will be available as an optional add-on to Bupa Health Assessments for women over 40 and men over 45 years old. This will give people early warning of increased genetic risk to four different conditions: breast cancer, prostate cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Advanced DNA Health Check will combine insights from medication, disease risk, carrier status, and traits to give a complete picture of an individual’s health profile, with guidance on action and support.
“Findings from our pilot have given us valuable insights into how DNA can affect an individual’s response to medication, to treat patients with the right medication at the right dose from day one. This is life-changing for those at the start of their health journey and those living with chronic conditions,” explained Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO of Bupa Global, India & UK.
He said: “Through the launch of Bupa’s Medication Check, DNA Health Check, and Advanced DNA Health Check, we move to more preventative healthcare and personalised health plans: from before symptoms develop to tailored treatment plans.
“Whole genomic sequencing is fundamentally changing our approach to healthcare, pivoting from treatment to prevention. It has the power to become a health passport that people can reference throughout their lives. We firmly believe genomics is the path to health innovation and prevention.”
Dr Rebecca Rohrer, clinical innovation and genomics director at Bupa, added: “We’ve long known that most medications only work for 30-50% of the population. However, this pilot has highlighted the significant impact individual genomes have on the effectiveness of medications in treating certain conditions.
“With more than half of us regularly taking a prescription medication and an increasing number affected by a chronic condition, it’s crucial that people are prescribed the right medicine from the start, tailored to their unique genetic makeup.”
