Hyderabad-based MapMyGenome launches MedicaMap to test efficacy of 165 medicines

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad-based MapMyGenome, India's premier preventive genomics company, launched MedicaMap – a pharmacogenomics solution, the study of how a person's genetic makeup affects the metabolism of medications, on Sunday.

MedicaMap give an easy-to-read comprehensive report on medicines' toxicity and efficacy for a person. It guides clinicians to identify alternate medicine or adjust the dosage according to an individual's genetic profile for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of any health condition.

MapMyGenome CEO Anu Acharya gave a detailed presentation on MedicaMap followed by two panel discussions where eminent doctors discussed "pharmacogenomics in clinical setting" and "treat the patient, not the condition".

Anu Acharya, at the launch event, said, "MedicaMap is a one of a kind pharmacogenomics product which provides detailed analysis of body's response to medicine based on genetic makeup. It is affordable, non-invasive and once-in-a lifetime. It can be done at home. We have introduced it at Rs.6,499 for over 165 drugs, which is probably the lowest price"

As medicines were usually prescribed using a "one-size-fits-all" approach and not varied according to individual DNAs, there had been variations in responses to the medications. According to a study published in 'The Pharmacogenomics Journal', Indians had a higher risk for medicine-induced heart-related cases compared with the West.

The varied response to medicines among Indians highlighted the significance of creating India-specific comprehensive pharmacogenomic data.

MedicaMap would cover common medicines like metformin, clopidogrel, warfarin, codeine and many other medicines commonly used by Indians.

MapMyGenome also announced its expansion to Europe, by setting up its operations in Spain.