Knowledge is power.

Imagine having access to genomic testing, specifically designed to determine what would be the most effective medication. Then, imagine being able to confidently take that prescription drug without worrying about the possibility of untoward side effects.

Pharmacogenomics, the prescribing of medication based on genetics, is quickly becoming the way of the future. Genomic testing is key that unlocks the door.

For more than a decade, the scientists, geneticists, and physicians at HudsonAlpha have been working with genomics in the interest of improving the human condition.

To that end, the HudsonAlpha Health Alliance and Auburn University have formed a collaboration to provide genomic health screening to Auburn employees through the Auburn Pharmaceutical Care Center.

The program came about out of Auburn’s need for HudsonAlpha’s expertise and resources.

“This researched-based collaboration grew out of genomic health initiatives, particularly HudsonAlpha’s genomic expertise,” said Dr. Devin Absher, director of Genomic Health at HudsonAlpha. “Organizations often have an interest but don’t have the lab or educational resources.”

Working closely with AUPCC, the HudsonAlpha Health Alliance will provide genetic testing to hundreds of Auburn University employees enrolled in Auburn’s health insurance program. Participation in the program is completely voluntary.

“TigerMed Personalized Prescriptions” is the new initiative. As part of this part of this program, AUPCC pharmacists will collect saliva from university employees. The saliva, in turn, will then be analyzed to identify genetic markers.

“The process with Auburn is funded by a grant from the state of Alabama, using DECA funds, working with the primary care physician (PCP) or clinician,” said Absher. “We don’t provide direct to consumer. The test results go back to the PCP. Ultimately, they make the decisions. Our job at HudsonAlpha is to provide educational resources to both the patient and clinicians.”

Genetic markers hold the key to valuable information on how certain medications metabolize in the body. As a part of pharmacogenomic testing, the data gleaned can help guide health care professionals in selecting the ideal personalized prescription for a patient. Prescribing the right drug at the right dose to improve medication efficacy and to minimize, or to eliminate, the possibility of unfavorable side effects.

The HudsonAlpha Health Alliance provides opportunities for groups, such as academic institutions, health systems, physician networks, and self-insured employers to access the genomics expertise at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology to help develop customized genomic health screening programs for their patients and employees.

Collaboration with academic institutions, such as Auburn, creates opportunities to help clinicians and their patients learn valuable genomic information that will lead to better informed healthcare decisions. Integrated healthcare solutions include patient engagement and genetic education, physician education, genetic testing results interpretation, as well as access to a medical geneticist and genetic counselors.

Pharmacogenomics has many advantages for employees as well as being a valuable educational tool.

“We are excited to conduct this pilot project for beneficiaries of our own health care plan,” said Dr. Kimberly Braxton Lloyd, associate dean of Clinical Affairs and Outreach with Harrison School of Pharmacy. “This innovative service not only enhances the health care benefit that we offer to our employees, but also allows us to provide pharmacogenomics training for health care students.

“This prepares our students to integrate this science into the care of their patients upon graduation.”

The Ideal future involves genetic testing before ever prescribing. By testing earlier in life, clinicians could possibly identify what medications will be more effective, long before the patient comes to an age where they will need a particular medication. This could result in healthier patients who take fewer days off from work, due to illness. This also translates into lower costs for insurance and prescription co-payments.

“HudsonAlpha makes the process easier for Auburn University, it’s a project that really benefits their employees,” said Absher. “Genetic health screenings offered to employees through their wellness program saves money for the employees, the college, as well as the insurance companies.”

To learn more about the HudsonAlpha Health Alliance, visit https://hudsonalpha.org/alliance.