Wamberg Genomic Survey: 79% of Consumers Would Consider Genetic Testing to Limit Risk of Drug Side Effects

LA JOLLA, Calif., Nov. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Forty percent (40%) of consumers polled think that doctors can reduce the risk of drug side effects in patients through genetic testing, however almost double, 79%, would consider genetic testing, known as pharmacogenomics, to lower their own risk of experiencing drug side effects.  Results are based on Wamberg Genomic Consumer Survey, which queried 536 U.S. consumers from 26 to 64 years old. Survey Sampling International (SSI) fielded the survey in October 2017.

The use of prescription drugs increases with age. Often, prescribed medications prove to be ineffective. In the US, serious adverse drug reactions are estimated to occur in about 2 million Americans a year and cause about 100,000 deaths per year, being one of the leading causes of death. Drug side effects also are costly being a significant cause of hospitalization.  

The Wamberg Genomic Consumer Survey results are somewhat more favorable than the recent 2017 edition of The Sanofi Canada Healthcare Survey that showed that 67% of members of employee benefit plans report being interested in pharmacogenomic testing.

According to Dr. Phil Smalley, Chief Medical Director of Wamberg Genomic Advisors, "Pharmacogenomic testing allows doctors to prescribe the right drug, at the right dose to the right patient. Most people carry at least one actionable drug-gene variant that, if known, would mean a doctor should use a different drug or altered dose to treat that person. Truly, one size does not fit all."

He explained that genetically guided prescribing makes drug therapy more effective and helps reduce serious drug side effects. Pharmacogenomic testing is now readily available and affordable. 

In the Wamberg survey, respondents were asked:
If you were offered free genetic testing to limit the risk of drug side effects, would you want to get this testing now, whether or not you are currently on medications?

• Yes                     49%
• Considering        30%
• Not sure              13%
• No                        8%

Forty percent (40%) responded this statement was true: "Doctors can reduce the risk of drug side effects by looking at a person's genetics before taking any medications."   

Other results of the survey revealed the following:

• 75% responded genetic testing can help people live a longer and better quality of life
• 33% have had genetic testing. Of those that have had testing, 52% found the results useful

Smalley added, "As more people get their drug-related genes tested, we believe that pharmacogenomics will become widespread.  It allows doctors to reduce serious adverse drug reactions and prescribe more effective medications that will improve public health. In addition, it should help lower pharmaceutical costs by more effectively treating patients."

About the Survey
The Wamberg Genomic Consumer Survey queried 536 U.S. consumers 26-64. The survey was fielded by Survey Sampling International (SSI) in October 2017. Data for the survey was collected via an opt-in panel. The margin of error was 4%.

About Survey Sampling International:
Survey Sampling International (SSI) has been the premier global provider of data solutions and technology for consumer and business-to-business survey research for 40 Years.  For more information, go to www.surveysampling.com.   

About Wamberg Genomic Advisors:
Wamberg Genomic Advisors' mission to make genomic testing readily available at prices everyone can afford. Our focus is on delivering genomic products and services to employers and their employees via their trusted benefit brokers, and policyholders of life insurance companies. To learn more visit wamberggenomic.com.

SOURCE Wamberg Genomic Advisors

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