Foundation Medicine announced plans to launch FoundationOne PGx, a pharmacogenetic testing service designed to identify genetic differences that affect how patients metabolize medications. The test will be available in the United States through an expanded partnership with Fulgent Genetics (NASDAQ: FLGT) and can be ordered through Foundation Medicine's portal.

The test analyzes nine genes associated with drug metabolism that have clinical evidence and actionable guidelines: CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, DPYD, G6PD, NUDT15, TPMT, UGT1A1, and UGT1A4. These genetic variants can influence patient responses to chemotherapies, targeted therapies, and supportive care medications used in oncology treatment.

Pharmacogenetic testing helps healthcare providers understand how patients may process certain medications differently based on their genetics. Some patients metabolize medicines more slowly or rapidly than expected, which can increase the risk of adverse drug reactions and impact treatment effectiveness.

"FoundationOne PGx is an important addition to our portfolio, helping healthcare providers anticipate potential toxicity of medicines, reduced treatment effectiveness, and increased risk of adverse reactions," said Todd Druley, Chief Medical Officer at Foundation Medicine.

The test may be ordered early in the disease course to help providers understand potential pharmacogenetic effects or later in advanced disease, particularly when patients receive combination regimens including chemotherapies.

Brandon Perthuis, Chief Commercial Officer at Fulgent, noted the timing aligns with recent guideline updates indicating a shift toward integrating pharmacogenetic testing into routine oncology care.

The genes included in the panel are listed in either the FDA's pharmacogenetic associations for therapeutic management recommendations or other clinical implementation guidelines from the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium.