The Science

We leverage the best science to improve health and wellness

Pharmacogenetics

  • Pharmacogenetics can reduce risky side effects by 30% 3

  • Pharmacogenetics is the science of how our genes affect the way we respond to medications, identifying the variants you carry to help personalize treatment. This approach ensures optimal medication and dosing, avoiding side effects and safety risks.

  • Research suggests that over 99% of people have genetic variants affecting their response to at least one medication. ¹

  • Pharmacogenomic testing for depression treatment can increase the likelihood of remission by 85%. ²

  • Understanding genetic responses to drugs can reduce the risk of side effects by 30%. ³

  • 76% of those who took Inagene’s pharmacogenetics test had a change made to their treatment plan as a result of the insights provided. ⁴

  • How genetic variants affect medication response 

    Key proteins in the body play crucial roles in how medications work: enzymes activate or break them down, transporters allow them into cells, and receptors bind to them to create effect. Genetic variants can affect the function and amount of these proteins, leading to varying medication responses amongst individuals.

  • Knowing what genetic variations you have is important

    The most common genetic variants are harmless and mainly determine differences in traits like eye colour. Some variants can play a major role in how we respond to medications. Pharmacogenetic researchers explore the impacts of these variants, and this research can translate into insights about what medications and doses could be used, and which should be avoided in specific individuals.

Nutrigenomics

  • Use nutrigenomics to fine-tune your nutrition and fitness

  • Nutrigenomics uses modern genomics technology to study the relationship between genes, nutrition and health. Nutrigenomics allows us to understand how our genes affect the way we respond to the foods, beverages and supplements we consume, as well as our fitness habits.

  • DNA analysis for personalized nutrition and fitness insights

    Inagene’s Nutrition & Fitness testing for personalized nutrition and fitness is done in partnership with Nutrigenomix, a biotechnology company offering genetic testing for personalized nutrition in more than 50 countries worldwide. The test kit results provide a blueprint for developing a tailored plan to optimize your health and wellness.

  • Backed by science

    Evidence shows that one-size-fits-all nutrition recommendations are inefficient and often ineffective. Research in nutrigenomics can now explain why the same foods affect different people in different ways. The Nutrigenomix test kit was used in the first published, peer-reviewed randomized controlled trial of genetic information related to nutrition. This research showed that DNA-based nutrition recommendations result in greater dietary improvements than general advice.

Technology

  • Our Technology

  • How is Inagene different?

    We offer the most comprehensive test to help you and your health care provider select the right medications at the right dose. We focus on testing for as many gene variants as possible, supported by insights that can help improve treatment decisions for pain, mental health, heart health and more. We only include medications backed by trusted pharmacogenetic guidelines and continuously update our test with the latest research. More medications doesn't mean better results - using preliminary data can lead to misleading recommendations.

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  • Research Diversity

    Inagene is dedicated to inclusivity. We incorporate genetic data from a wide range of ethnic groups, and continuously update our databases prioritizing studies that allow us to provide personalized insights that cater to the needs of customers, regardless of background.

  • Privacy

    At Inagene, protecting your privacy and personal data is our top priority. We ensure your genetic data is secure, never shared or sold, and comply fully with Canadian Data Protection regulations, including PIPEDA and Provincial Privacy Regulations. Our comprehensive safeguards—physical, electronic, and procedural—protect against unauthorized access, use, alteration, duplication, destruction, disclosure, loss, or theft of your personal information.

FAQs

How do my genes affect the way drugs work in my body?

Key proteins in the body play essential roles in order for medications to work correctly, and/or to minimize toxicity. Enzymes activate or break medications down, transporters allow them into cells, and receptors bind to them to create beneficial (or sometimes toxic) effects. Genetic variants can affect the quantity and quality of these proteins, leading to variable responses amongst different individuals.

When is the best time to undergo pharmacogenetic testing?

Pharmacogenetic testing can be done at any time, including during earlier stages of life. The best time to undergo testing is prior to having a specific need for medication, as a proactive measure. If and when you require treatment, you can share your results with your health care provider, so that any relevant results can be considered when selecting the medication that is right for you.

Why is it important to analyze your DNA for personalized nutrition and fitness insights?

Nutrition is vital for health, and standard recommendations overlook individual differences. Your genes can affect everything from weight management to cardiometabolic health to fitness performance and injury risk. Working with your healthcare provider or dietitian, you will be able to learn what foods you should be eating more or less based on your DNA to decrease your risk of developing chronic diseases, optimize your health, performance, fertility, and more.

If a medication is not in the report, how do I know if my genetics won't affect my response?

When treating their patients, health care providers typically will rely on prescribing guidelines, their judgement, and non-genetic factors specific to the person being treated. If relevant medication(s) are included on a pharmacogenetic report, then it is advisable that this result be considered as well. If a medication isn't reported on our tests, it's often because there hasn't been sufficient scientific study to establish genetic factors influencing an individual's response to that medication, and therefore, pharmacogenetics is not a factor that would influence treatment decisions.

  • References

    1. Pharmacogenetics at scale: An analysis of the UK Biobank
    2. Arnone D, Omar O, Arora T, et al. Effectiveness of pharmacogenomic tests including CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 genomic variants for guiding the treatment of depressive disorders: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2023;144:104965. doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104965
    3. Swen JJ, van der Wouden CH, Manson LE, et al. A 12-gene pharmacogenetic panel to prevent adverse drug reactions: an open-label, multicentre, controlled, cluster-randomised crossover implementation study. Lancet. 2023;401(10374):347-356. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01841-4
    4. Inagene Patient Pilot Study; 2021