PGX for Pharmacists

Follow PGX for Pharmacists
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

This podcast is all about the Pharmacist leveraging the power of Pharmacogenomics.  PGX for Pharmacists is a member of the Pharmacy Podcast Network.  Pharmacogenomics is the study of the role of the genome in drug response. Its name (pharmaco- + genomics) reflects its combining of pharmacology and genomics. Pharmacogenomics analyzes how the genetic makeup of an individual affects his/her response to drugs. It deals with the influence of acquired and inherited genetic variation on drug response in patients by correlating gene expression or single-nucleotide polymorphisms with pharmacokinetics (drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination) and pharmacodynamics (effects mediated through a drug's biological targets).

Pharmacy Podcast Network


    • Feb 11, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 34m AVG DURATION
    • 67 EPISODES


    More podcasts from Pharmacy Podcast Network

    Search for episodes from PGX for Pharmacists with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from PGX for Pharmacists

    A Pharmacist's Breast Cancer Story: How Pharmacogenomics Testing Shaped Her Treatment and Factors Influencing PGx Testing Becoming a Standard of Care for Tamoxifen | Precision Health & PGxPGx

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 50:47


    Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Precision Health and PGX Podcast as Dr. Becky Winslow, and Dr. Angela Cassano, PharmFusion Founder and owner, discuss Dr. Cassano's personal pharmacogenomics testing and how the results impacted her breast cancer treatment, the tamoxifen and CYP2D6 pharmacogenomics clinical utility research currently available, whether CYP2D6 testing for patients prior to tamoxifen is National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommended, and whether insurers in the United States reimburse the testing. This is a must listen for those interested in the clinical pharmacogenomics' current landscape and a pharmacist-patient's perspective about PGx testing.   

    Key Factors Impacting MolDX® Coverage Determinations and Reimbursement with Dr. Megan Landsverk, Scientific Director, MolDX® and Chief Science Officer, Palmetto GBA® | Precision Health and PGx

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 48:56


    Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Precision Health and PGX Podcast as Dr. Becky Winslow, CEO of inGENEious RX Incorporated Pharmacogenomics Consulting, and Dr. Megan Landsverk, Scientific Director of MolDX® and Chief Science Officer of Palmetto GBA®, discuss how laboratories may overcome the challenges they face earning MolDX® coverage and reimbursement for their clinical pharmacogenomics tests. Specific to coverage determinations, the PGx veterans discuss test design, post-genotype translations, and technical assessments. Specific to reimbursement, the duo discusses evidence-based reporting and complete claim submissions. Also discussed is the importance of labs clearly defining intended use populations for tests and academic partnerships importance when labs develop and validate panels including drug-gene pairs the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium and the United States Food and Drug Administration does not recognize as clinically utile for managing medications.  Dr. Megan Landsverk is a Science Officer for Palmetto GBA, a Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) and a Science Director for the Molecular Diagnostic Services (MolDX) program developed to identify and establish coverage and reimbursement for molecular diagnostic services on behalf of Medicare. Dr. Landsverk received her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Baylor College of Medicine and postdoctoral training in Medical Genetics at the University of Washington. She is a board-certified Molecular Geneticist, completing her molecular genetics fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. She has held multiple academic faculty positions and has numerous publications in the field of genetics. Prior to joining Palmetto, she served as a clinical laboratory director in academic, hospital, and commercial clinical laboratories and has experience in several genetic specialties including rare disease (pediatric and adult), cancer (somatic and inherited), and pharmacogenetics.

    The Current Status of Biomarker Testing Coverage Legislation in the U.S. with Hilary Goeckner of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network | Precision Health and PGx

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 35:06


    Equitable biomarker testing access, including pharmacogenomics testing, is critical for patients to experience optimal medication therapy outcomes. Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Precision Health and PGX Podcast as Dr. Becky Winslow, Dr. Behnaz Sarrami, and Hilary Goeckner, Director of State & Local Campaigns - Access to Care of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), educate listeners about ACS CAN's mission, how it executes on its mission, accomplishments, and future goals.  This episode is a must listen for anyone who wants the latest update on the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network's work influencing state legislatures to pass legislation to expand coverage of biomarker testing, states who have already passed legislation and those with pending legislation, and to learn how they too can advocate.   After listening to this episode, listeners will be able to describe biomarker testing's importance in healthcare; describe how the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is championing biomarker testing coverage legislation; name states that have passed biomarker testing legislation and those with pending legislation; know how one can contribute to the efforts to increase biomarker testing coverage. Hilary Gee Goeckner is director of state and local campaigns for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society. In this role she leads work with ACS CAN staff and coalition partners across the country to improve access to comprehensive biomarker testing, clinical trials, fertility preservation and other health care access issues. Prior to this role, Hilary served as the Kansas government relations director for ACS CAN. Before joining ACS CAN, Hilary served as director of health policy at Kansas Action for Children. She holds a bachelor's degree in anthropology and global health from Williams College and a master's degree in social work from Boston College. She lives in San Diego with her husband and two children. As the CEO of inGENEious RX Incorporated and pharmacogenomics subject matter expert, Dr. Becky Winslow has dedicated over a decade to providing innovative solutions for pharmacogenomics stakeholders. Her extensive experience also includes directing pharmacy operations and medication safety programs across diverse clinical settings, spanning retail, hospital, long-term care, and public health. Dr. Winslow is a passionate educator, training Doctors of Clinical Pharmacy to work with molecular testing stakeholders and serving as an advanced pharmacy practice preceptor for Manchester University's Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics Program. She hosts an evidence-based educational podcast, The Precision Health and PGx Podcast, which Welp Magazine recognized as the ninth most listened to genetics podcast globally. Her involvement with prominent organizations like the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium and the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) PGx Task Force speaks to her expertise and commitment. Dr. Winslow frequently presents at national conferences such as The Association for Molecular Pathology and holds degrees from Campbell University.  Behnaz Sarrami, PharmD, MS, is a leading expert in pharmacogenomics and a dedicated Medical Science Liaison (MSL). She is named American Pharmacists Association's (APhA) "50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy" and Medika's "Top 30 Women Transforming Healthcare". Behnaz is passionate about advancing personalized medicine to optimize treatments and improve patient outcomes, especially in underserved populations. She supports healthcare professionals through scientific training and presentations. As the host of the "Precision Health and PGx" podcast, she mentors pharmacists transitioning into MSL roles and those launching pharmacogenomics consulting careers. She earned her Master's in Biochemistry from Georgetown University and her Doctorate in Pharmacy from Creighton University. With significant contributions to research and education, she continues to drive innovation in pharmacogenomics through her work with healthcare professionals and community outreach programs.  

    Pharmacists Value in the Clinical Pharmacogenomics Lab with Dr. Jeremy Stuart, Chief Scientific Officer, Precision Genetics | Precision Health and PGx Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 47:37


    Be sure to tune in to this episode of the Precision Health and PGX Podcast as Dr. Becky Winslow, Dr. Behnaz Sarrami, and Dr. Jeremy Stuart, Chief Scientific Officer and laboratory director for Precision Genetics, discuss pharmacists value as employees in clinical pharmacogenomics testing laboratories. Having employed pharmacists in his laboratories, Dr. Stuart will provide his first-hand examples to illustrate how pharmacists have benefited his laboratories. Dr. Winslow and Dr. Sarrami will also share their real-world experiences working for clinical pharmacogenomics laboratories to help the laboratory achieve its goals. This episode is a must listen for laboratories who are vested in their pharmacogenomics testing's financial success.  After listening to this episode, the learner will be able to describe responsibilities and roles in pharmacogenomics pharmacists fulfill in clinical labs, name specific real-world examples that illustrate pharmacists' contributions to pharmacogenomics in the clinical laboratory, and name education, training, and work experiences that prepare pharmacists to assume advanced practice roles in clinical laboratories.   Dr. Jeremy Stuart has extensive experience in the life science industry. He specializes in commercial operations, technology development and transfer, manufacturing design, and validation of laboratory developed tests (LDTs). He currently serves as the Chief Scientific Officer for Precision Genetics and serves as their Laboratory Director.  Dr. Stuart was part of the senior management team that completed a management buyout of Lab21 Inc. to form Selah Genomics and the subsequent sale of Selah to EKF. Dr. Stuart led the development and validation of all of Selah's molecular assays and oversaw their clinical studies. Dr. Stuart was also a member of the Agencourt Personal Genomics team, where he co-developed the SOLiD next-generation sequencing technology that was subsequently acquired by Applied Biosystems.   Before entering industry, Dr. Stuart completed his postdoctoral work at the the Harvard School of Public Health, earned his master's degree in Toxicology from the University of Minnesota, and his doctorate in Genetics & Complex Diseases from Harvard University.  As the CEO of inGENEious RX Incorporated and pharmacogenomics subject matter expert, Dr. Becky Winslow has dedicated over a decade to providing innovative solutions for pharmacogenomics stakeholders. Her extensive experience also includes directing pharmacy operations and medication safety programs across diverse clinical settings, spanning retail, hospital, long-term care, and public health. Dr. Winslow is a passionate educator, training Doctors of Clinical Pharmacy to work with molecular testing stakeholders and serving as an advanced pharmacy practice preceptor for Manchester University's Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics Program. She hosts an evidence-based educational podcast, The Precision Health and PGx Podcast, which Welp Magazine recognized as the ninth most listened to genetics podcast globally. Her involvement with prominent organizations like the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium and the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) PGx Task Force speaks to her expertise and commitment. Dr. Winslow frequently presents at national conferences such as The Association for Molecular Pathology and holds degrees from Campbell University.  Behnaz Sarrami, PharmD, MS, is a leading expert in pharmacogenomics and a dedicated Medical Science Liaison (MSL). She is named American Pharmacists Association's (APhA) "50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy" and Medika's "Top 30 Women Transforming Healthcare". Behnaz is passionate about advancing personalized medicine to optimize treatments and improve patient outcomes, especially in underserved populations. She supports healthcare professionals through scientific training and presentations. As the host of the "Precision Health and PGx" podcast, she mentors pharmacists transitioning into MSL roles and those launching pharmacogenomics consulting careers. She earned her Master's in Biochemistry from Georgetown University and her Doctorate in Pharmacy from Creighton University. With significant contributions to research and education, she continues to drive innovation in pharmacogenomics through her work with healthcare professionals and community outreach programs.

    Demystifying Medicaid Coverage and Reimbursement for Pharmacogenomics Testing | Precision Health and PGx Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 30:33


    Before founding inGENEious RX Incorporated, a boutique pharmacogenomics consulting firm, Dr. Winslow directed pharmacy business operations and clinical pharmacy programs in retail, hospital, long-term care, and public health pharmacies for Walmart Stores, Community Health Systems, Neil Medical Group, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Since founding inGENEious RX over eleven years ago, Dr. Winslow has worked with numerous distinguished vendors in the pharmacogenomics industry including Translational Software, Admera Health, Genemarkers, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Kentucky Teachers' Retirement System, GenXys, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.  A sought-after pharmacogenomics subject matter expert, Dr. Winslow, has authored PGx payer databases and billing and coding algorithms and served Mintz Law as the expert medical necessity reviewer of Medicare PGx claims. She is an authority in pharmacogenomics access and reimbursement and specializes in business strategy consulting for pharmacogenomics stakeholders.   Dr. Winslow is an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience preceptor for Manchester University School of Pharmacy PharmD/Masters in PGx students and a registered trainer for the University of Pittsburgh's Test2Learn (TM) Community PGx Certificate Program. Dr. Winslow is a member of the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium, the NCPDP PGx Task Force, and the Get the Medications Right Institute.  In 2021, Welp Magazine recognized Dr. Winslow's podcast, the PGx for Pharmacists Podcast, as the world's ninth most listened-to genetics podcast. Her podcast shares the top 20 most listened-to genomics podcast list with genomics podcasts created by such notable podcasters as the National Cancer Institute and the American Heart Association. The Pharmacy Podcast Network recognized Dr. Winslow in 2021 as a Top 50 pharmacy influencer. Entities frequently recruit Dr. Winslow to present PGx topics. She has presented at conferences for the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy, the Inovalon Customer Congress, and the Association for Molecular Pathology and on the Labroots' and Precision Medicine Institute's platforms.  Dr. Winslow earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Clinical Pharmacy degrees from Campbell University. Lexi Wensel is a 2024 Manchester University School of Pharmacy graduate where she earned her Doctorate in Pharmacy and Masters in Pharmacogenomics. When this episode was recorded in April 2024, Lexi was completing an advanced pharmacy practice experience with Dr. Becky Winslow, preceptor for Manchester University School of Pharmacy. While studying to become a pharmacist, Lexi gained practical clinical pharmacy experience while working as a pharmacy intern at both Meijer pharmacy and Marion Health Hospital.   Beyond her academic and professional endeavors, Lexi is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She serves as a board member for an organization called Guatemala Family Development where she contributed to initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and promoting wellness in underserved communities. At the time this episode was recorded, Lexi was completing an advanced pharmacy practice experience with Dr. Becky Winslow, preceptor for Manchester University School of Pharmacy.  Dr. Mary Weissman is a clinical pharmacogenomics specialist and inGENEious RX Incorporated consultant. Since earning her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and completing a two-year pharmacogenomics fellowship in a clinical laboratory's medical affairs department, Dr. Weissman has applied her pharmacogenomics expertise in clinical diagnostic laboratories. At those laboratories, she has scientifically, and clinically supported pharmacogenomics stakeholders to increase clinical pharmacogenomics implementation into clinical settings. Holding titles such as clinical scientist, she has authored and developed medical content to educate healthcare providers and patients about pharmacogenomics and authored clinical decision support tools prescribers use to leverage pharmacogenomic insights in medication therapy management. Through educational trainings, white papers, presentations, and webinars, she has clarified pharmacogenomics' complexities and helped move pharmacogenomics toward a standard of care.  

    The Couch, The Clinic, and the Scanner, an interview with Dr. Hellerstein | Precision Health and PGx

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 48:51


    David Hellerstein, MD, is professor of clinical psychiatry and an award-winning writer of  nonfiction and fiction. Books such as Heal Your Brain: How the  New Neuropsychiatry Can Help You Go from Better to Well (2011); A Family of  Doctors (1994), a memoir of 5 generations of doctors in his family; Battles of Life  and Death, an essay collection; and two novels, Loving Touches and Stone Babies. And recently The Couch, the Clinic, and the Scanner. A must read! A top psychiatric researcher, he has done cutting-edge studies on new treatment  for depression, using MRI imaging to discover brain circuits related to illness and  the effects of treatment. For the past five years, his research has focused on new  psychedelic treatments of depression and other disorders, using psilocybin and  other long-banned drugs.   

    Pharmacogenomics Databases: What's Available and How to Navigate Them | Precision Health and PGX

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2024 30:33


    Episode Summary: In recognition of National DNA Day, April 25, 2024, Dr. Mary Weissman, Miss Courtney Harmon, and Dr. Becky Winslow discuss clinical pharmacogenomics resources, what pharmacogenomics information they provide, and how to navigate and utilize the pharmacogenomics information to answer a prescriber's clinical question about pharmacogenomics' relationship to an adverse drug event.  Listeners interested in learning a step-wise approach to using the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Table of Pharmacogenetics Associations and the FDA Table of Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers in Drug Labeling, the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium's (CPIC's) database, and the Pharmacogenomics Knowledgebase (PharmGKB) to demystify pharmacogenomics' role in adverse drug events will not want to miss this Precision Health and PGx Podcast episode.  Biographies: Before founding inGENEious RX Incorporated, a boutique pharmacogenomics consulting firm, Dr. Winslow directed pharmacy business operations and clinical pharmacy programs in retail, hospital, long-term care, and public health pharmacies for Walmart Stores, Community Health Systems, Neil Medical Group, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Since founding inGENEious RX over ten years ago, Dr. Winslow has worked with numerous distinguished vendors in the pharmacogenomics industry to reduce barriers holding pharmacogenomics back from becoming a standard of care including Translational Software, Admera Health, Genemarkers, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, Acutis Diagnostics, Kentucky Teachers' Retirement System, and GenXys.  A sought-after pharmacogenomics subject matter expert, Dr. Winslow, is an authority in pharmacogenomics access and reimbursement and specializes in business strategy consulting for pharmacogenomics stakeholders.   Dr. Mary Weissman is a pharmacogenomics science, clinical utility and reimbursement expert and inGENEious RX Incorporated team member.  After earning her PharmD from the Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy, Dr. Weissman completed a two-year pharmacogenomics fellowship with a clinical diagnostic lab. Upon completing her academic training in pharmacology and pharmacogenomics, Dr. Weissman embarked on a journey to apply her expertise in clinical diagnostic laboratories and has held several key scientific and clinical roles in pharmacogenomics laboratories. Through informative presentations, training sessions, papers, and webinars, she has helped clarify pharmacogenomics' complexities and highlight its potential to revolutionize medication management strategies for pharmacogenomics' stakeholders. Miss Courtney Harmon is graduating from Manchester University's Pharmacy and Pharmacogenomics programs in 2024.  She serves as a P4 liaison for Manchester University's chapter of Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) and she is interested in pursuing a career in industry pharmacy. She has worked for Walgreens pharmacy for the last eight years.  References: 1. Table of pharmacogenomic biomarkers in drug labeling. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Published August 10, 2023. Accessed February 1, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/science-and-research-drugs/table-pharmacogenomic-biomarkers-drug-labeling  2. Table of pharmacogenetic associations. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Published October 26, 2022. Accessed February 1, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/precision-medicine/table-pharmacogenetic-associations  3. CPIC. Cpicpgx.org. Accessed February 1, 2024. https://cpicpgx.org  4. PharmGKB. PharmGKB. Accessed February 1, 2024. https://www.pharmgkb.org Keywords: #pharmacogenomics #ingeneiousrx #PGx #pharmacists #precisionhealthandpgxpodcast #pharmacypodcastnetwork #pharmacogenetics #genetics #sources #resources #FDA #CPIC #PharmGKB

    Genetic Insight: Exploring MTHFR and Mental Health | Precision Health and PGx

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 33:29


    Towny Robinson is the CEO of JayMac Pharmaceuticals and the inventor of EnLyte and EnBrace HR. He is a national expert on Methylation Biochemistry/Genetics and Psychiatric Disorders. Visit his website to learn more: www.enlyterx.com/about-enlyte www.enlyterx.com/about-enlyte Behnaz Disclaimer: These are my personal views and opinions, and I am not speaking on behalf of Castle Biosciences, Inc.  

    Medical Science Liaison, A Career Path for Pharmacists with Dr. Samuel Dyer | PGX For Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2023 36:49


    Special Episode: Travel with us in this journey through the fascinating world of Medical Science Liaison (MSL), new career path for pharmacists! Get firsthand knowledge from the CEO of The MSL Society and how to break into the amazing career path. We are giving away a signed copy of the book "The Medical Science Liaison Career Guide: How to Break Into Your First Role". To the one lucky aspiring MSL, please share our podcast link, tag Becky, Behnaz, and Samuel Dyer and make sure to use the hashtag PGx4Rx to be entered into the contest. The winners will be announced in the first week of January 2024.  Behnaz Disclaimer: These are my personal views and opinions, and I am not speaking on behalf of Castle Biosciences, Inc.  

    ceo career path pharmacists dyer msl medical science liaison medical science liaison msl castle biosciences
    From PharmD to Pharmacogenomics Test Developer: Dr. Thierry Dervieux's Story of Revolutionizing Healthcare Through Precision Medicine for Immune Modulated Inflammatory Diseases | PGx For Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2023 28:46


    Becky Winslow, BS, PharmD Host and Pharmacogenomics Medical Science Liaison; Behnaz Sarrami, MS, PharmD, Host and Pharmacogenomics Medical Science Liaison; Thierry Dervieux, PharmD, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Prometheus Laboratories Disclaimer: Behnaz Disclaimer: These are my personal views and opinions, and I am not speaking on behalf of Castle Biosciences, Inc. Becky Disclaimer: These are my personal views and opinions, and I am not speaking on behalf of any other entity.   Transcription:  1 00:00:06,190 --> 00:00:19,620 You're listening to the Pharmacy podcast Network in a world where one size fits all medications dominate the pharmaceutical industry. 2 00:00:20,079 --> 00:00:24,750 Precision medicine brings a ray of hope for those seeking customized health care. 3 00:00:25,350 --> 00:00:32,830 Pharmacists have a unique opportunity to help people in need of specialized testing to ensure medications work as intended. 4 00:00:33,540 --> 00:00:44,680 Welcome to PGX for pharmacists where we unravel the wonders of precision medicine and its potential to revolutionize the way we approach pharmacy care. 5 00:00:45,169 --> 00:00:52,790 Get ready to uncover the secrets behind pharmacogenomics and how it's transforming lives one genome at a time. 6 00:00:52,799 --> 00:00:53,189 Hello, 7 00:00:53,200 --> 00:00:53,950 everyone. 8 00:00:54,159 --> 00:00:55,080 I'm your host, 9 00:00:55,090 --> 00:00:56,389 Doctor Becky Winslow. 10 00:00:56,409 --> 00:01:09,860 And you're listening to the PGX for Pharmacist podcast that we magazine recognized in 2021 as the ninth most listened to genetics podcasts in the world on the PGX for Pharmacist podcast. 11 00:01:09,870 --> 00:01:16,690 We explore all things pharmacogenomics related and our mission is to educate and advocate for PGX. 12 00:01:16,769 --> 00:01:23,849 We accomplish this mission through exclusive interviews with highly qualified and well experienced pharmacogenomics. 13 00:01:23,860 --> 00:01:29,720 Industry leaders such as today's special guest and my name is Baas Sami, 14 00:01:29,730 --> 00:01:32,739 the co-host of PGX for Pharms podcast, 15 00:01:32,750 --> 00:01:33,860 Pharmacogenomics, 16 00:01:33,870 --> 00:01:36,819 medical science liaison and a mentor to pharmacist. 17 00:01:36,889 --> 00:01:40,239 Connect with us on linkedin and let's get a conversation going. 18 00:01:40,269 --> 00:01:46,720 We want to hear from you and how you're impacting pharmacogenomic stakeholders and what you have learned throughout your journey. 19 00:01:48,510 --> 00:01:49,010 Ok. 20 00:01:49,019 --> 00:01:50,819 So without any further ado, 21 00:01:50,839 --> 00:01:54,769 I'm extremely pleased to introduce to our audience. 22 00:01:54,919 --> 00:01:56,059 Doctor Theory Devo, 23 00:01:57,239 --> 00:02:01,129 the Chief Scientific Officer at Prometheus Laboratories, 24 00:02:01,139 --> 00:02:08,139 and Perme Prometheus Laboratories is a reference clinical laboratory that's focused on the diagnosis, 25 00:02:08,149 --> 00:02:13,330 prognosis and monitoring of immune mediated inflammatory diseases. 26 00:02:13,970 --> 00:02:14,229 So, 27 00:02:14,240 --> 00:02:14,649 thank you, 28 00:02:14,660 --> 00:02:17,759 Doctor De for joining us on the podcast. 29 00:02:17,770 --> 00:02:18,589 Today. 30 00:02:18,600 --> 00:02:23,190 I'm excited to share your and Prometheus's story with our audience. 31 00:02:23,649 --> 00:02:25,630 Um in particular, 32 00:02:25,639 --> 00:02:45,369 I'm excited about you sharing your career journey as a farm D phd and Chief scientific officer and designer of the Predictor PK AD A which is a precision guided dosing test for the optimization of Humira Remicade and their bio cylinders. 33 00:02:46,119 --> 00:02:46,449 So, 34 00:02:46,460 --> 00:03:04,220 one of Bana's and my main goals for this episode of the PGX for Pharmacist podcast is to expand our audience's notion of what a PGX test looks like and to inspire them to think bigger than the traditional box PGX test. 35 00:03:04,229 --> 00:03:08,020 Most of them or most of you are uh familiar with. 36 00:03:09,020 --> 00:03:09,429 So, 37 00:03:09,440 --> 00:03:22,179 Doctor D uh I'd like to start the podcast by having our guests um introduce themselves and elaborate on how you are a pharmacogenomics expert. 38 00:03:23,619 --> 00:03:23,800 Yeah, 39 00:03:23,809 --> 00:03:24,250 thank you, 40 00:03:24,259 --> 00:03:25,759 Becky for having me. 41 00:03:25,770 --> 00:03:26,850 Uh uh Yes. 42 00:03:26,860 --> 00:03:27,289 So I am a, 43 00:03:27,300 --> 00:03:30,820 I am a pharmacist uh with uh a family who is a, 44 00:03:30,830 --> 00:03:33,039 a doctorate in pharmacokinetics. 45 00:03:33,539 --> 00:03:44,520 Uh I completed my studies in France and I came as a postdoc uh fellow uh to work in the United States about 20 years ago to work on the pharmacogenomic of anti cancer agents, 46 00:03:44,929 --> 00:03:49,160 uh primarily uh six Maturin as well as methotrexate. 47 00:03:49,169 --> 00:03:50,550 After my post doc, 48 00:03:50,770 --> 00:03:52,960 uh I moved uh in industry for promet. 49 00:03:53,490 --> 00:04:01,429 So I have a large experience in uh uh the implementation of pharmacogenetics testing in immune mediated inflammatory disease. 50 00:04:01,509 --> 00:04:12,550 Our lab Rome was the first uh clinical laboratory in the United States to offer the fin uh metyl transfer genotyping as well as the thin metabolites. 51 00:04:12,559 --> 00:04:13,029 So, 52 00:04:13,050 --> 00:04:21,989 uh uh of uh of 70 publications in the field and uh I'm very uh very excited to have uh to be on the postcard with you uh uh today. 53 00:04:23,660 --> 00:04:24,220 All right. 54 00:04:24,230 --> 00:04:27,359 So thank you for qualifying yourself as an expert. 55 00:04:27,369 --> 00:04:27,619 So, 56 00:04:27,630 --> 00:04:32,839 let's jump right in and delve into your current PGX work. 57 00:04:32,850 --> 00:04:33,279 So, 58 00:04:33,489 --> 00:04:36,540 if you'll tell us um a little about Prometheus, 59 00:04:36,549 --> 00:04:38,000 specifically, 60 00:04:38,010 --> 00:04:40,350 what is Prometheus's mission? 61 00:04:40,359 --> 00:04:43,799 And how are you guys going about accomplishing your mission? 62 00:04:44,760 --> 00:04:44,980 Yeah, 63 00:04:44,989 --> 00:04:45,700 sure. 64 00:04:45,709 --> 00:04:47,459 Uh So Promet is a, 65 00:04:47,470 --> 00:04:52,790 is a reference uh clinical laboratory based in Southern California in San Diego. 66 00:04:53,230 --> 00:04:56,809 Uh The company has been there for uh over 25 years. 67 00:04:56,820 --> 00:05:03,950 We are uh specialize in the differential diagnosis of autoimmune G I disease uh disorders, 68 00:05:04,059 --> 00:05:06,019 uh gastrointestinal disorder, 69 00:05:06,230 --> 00:05:08,619 uh and inflammatory bowel disease. 70 00:05:08,980 --> 00:05:10,299 And over the years, 71 00:05:10,309 --> 00:05:16,600 we have developed a portfolio of a differentiated solution to facilitate the diagnosis, 72 00:05:16,609 --> 00:05:17,470 the prognosis, 73 00:05:17,480 --> 00:05:18,429 the monitoring, 74 00:05:18,660 --> 00:05:21,910 as well as therapy selection with pharmacogenetics testing, 75 00:05:21,920 --> 00:05:24,730 which we are offering to our clinical laboratory. 76 00:05:24,829 --> 00:05:26,350 And most importantly, 77 00:05:26,410 --> 00:05:27,299 uh recently, 78 00:05:27,309 --> 00:05:35,660 we are uh uh developing some uh uh testing solution with the credit topic care test to optimize treatment to uh biologics. 79 00:05:36,470 --> 00:05:37,130 Ok. 80 00:05:37,140 --> 00:05:37,329 Well, 81 00:05:37,339 --> 00:05:37,450 that, 82 00:05:37,459 --> 00:05:38,049 that's great. 83 00:05:38,059 --> 00:05:46,100 Can you also tell us uh about the Prois Library of Precision Medicine Tests for inflammatory bowel disease for patients? 84 00:05:46,109 --> 00:05:49,230 how they benefit medication therapy management. 85 00:05:49,239 --> 00:05:56,429 Stakeholders across the IB DS patients journey from diagnosis to treatment to disease, 86 00:05:56,440 --> 00:06:02,049 monitoring through remission and how they differ from other lab tests for IBD and his treatments. 87 00:06:02,709 --> 00:06:03,209 Yes. 88 00:06:03,220 --> 00:06:03,369 So, 89 00:06:03,380 --> 00:06:04,399 so we uh our, 90 00:06:04,410 --> 00:06:10,100 our clinical laboratory offers some uh highly specialized test to facilitate the, 91 00:06:10,109 --> 00:06:16,779 the diagnostic of uh to facilitate the differential diagnosis of uh uh inflammatory bowel disease. 92 00:06:16,790 --> 00:06:22,359 So we are following uh testing solution with uh serological testing, 93 00:06:22,529 --> 00:06:23,799 for example, 94 00:06:23,809 --> 00:06:38,410 uh uh piana as as as well as uh macro microbial uh uh antibodies that are present uh uh in Crohn's disease as well as uh over uh auto uh auto antibodies that are present in er colitis. 95 00:06:39,339 --> 00:06:43,684 These are conditions that are uh uh somewhat difficult to treat. 96 00:06:43,704 --> 00:06:49,994 Uh And uh we are uh uh offering those tests to uh help uh gastroenterologist. 97 00:06:50,015 --> 00:06:51,114 Uh uh first of all, 98 00:06:51,125 --> 00:07:03,434 to establish a differential diagnosis of IBD as compared to other uh condition typically uh uh irritable bowel syndrome as well as over gastrointestinal disorder. 99 00:07:03,445 --> 00:07:05,635 When the diagnostic is established, 100 00:07:05,910 --> 00:07:31,839 uh we offer uh testing to uh establish a prognosis where we're gonna in inform the clinician that the patient has a more aggressive uh disease that will require more aggressive treatment where uh we can uh provide the testing solution to initiate uh uh the most appropriate therapy for uh for the patient uh with uh a testing where we are uh basically uh you know, 101 00:07:31,850 --> 00:07:36,559 establish de determining some genotyping with the fit transferal genotyping. 102 00:07:36,570 --> 00:07:37,279 For example, 103 00:07:37,290 --> 00:07:40,250 where we can uh indicate that the patient is, 104 00:07:40,260 --> 00:07:45,079 is likely uh to present with a side effect to those medication. 105 00:07:45,399 --> 00:07:46,170 And once you know, 106 00:07:46,179 --> 00:07:47,799 the the treatment is initiative, 107 00:07:47,809 --> 00:08:16,089 we have a portfolio of solution uh to facilitate the monitoring of the disease of the inflammatory bowel disease as well as the dosing optimization with uh uh the answer test which uh measure blood level uh for uh uh monoclonal antibodies that are indicated in the treatment of IB start with starting with Infliximab Adalimumab as well as uh Tein and vidal. 108 00:08:16,980 --> 00:08:24,040 So we have a comprehensive portfolio to uh to surround the clinician with uh a variety of testing solution. 109 00:08:24,049 --> 00:08:30,250 With our goal being to improve the uh the outcome uh of patients with uh with diabetes. 110 00:08:30,260 --> 00:08:34,520 And I think that the pharmacist has a very important role to play from that perspective. 111 00:08:35,179 --> 00:08:36,039 So theory, 112 00:08:36,049 --> 00:08:40,239 could you elaborate for us more on the predictor test? 113 00:08:40,249 --> 00:08:42,758 Um especially since you designed that test, 114 00:08:42,768 --> 00:08:44,218 we'd really like to know, 115 00:08:44,489 --> 00:08:45,039 um you know, 116 00:08:45,049 --> 00:08:49,638 what did that take and what role does it play in your suite of testing? 117 00:08:51,049 --> 00:08:51,270 Yeah. 118 00:08:51,280 --> 00:08:51,890 Sure. 119 00:08:51,900 --> 00:08:52,510 So the, 120 00:08:52,520 --> 00:08:52,570 the, 121 00:08:52,580 --> 00:08:52,989 the, 122 00:08:53,000 --> 00:08:53,229 the, 123 00:08:53,239 --> 00:08:59,960 the predictor test is uh uh is uh is utilized when the patient is receiving treatment. 124 00:09:00,280 --> 00:09:18,190 It's been speci specifically designed to optimize uh biological uh uh disease modifiers such as Infliximab adalimumab that are co therapies in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease as well as other immune uh mediated inflammatory. 125 00:09:18,200 --> 00:09:21,549 This is what the test does is to you connect the blood specimen, 126 00:09:22,229 --> 00:09:23,049 uh you know, 127 00:09:23,059 --> 00:09:24,750 with dosing information. 128 00:09:25,039 --> 00:09:41,989 And what we do is to uh uh provide guidance uh to clinician with uh respect of the best dose to give in order to achieve the best the level which is the most consistent with uh uh the disease control that needs to be achieved for the patient. 129 00:09:42,169 --> 00:09:43,729 Typically a vast majority, 130 00:09:43,739 --> 00:09:46,159 about two third of a third to two third, 131 00:09:46,169 --> 00:09:54,669 a third of patient uh tend to be uh uh unresponsive uh to this uh very expensive medication. 132 00:09:54,989 --> 00:09:57,960 Uh Not because they don't have the uh you know, 133 00:09:57,969 --> 00:09:59,289 typically because they have a, 134 00:09:59,299 --> 00:09:59,590 you know, 135 00:09:59,599 --> 00:10:05,599 pharmacokinetic uh suboptimal pharmacokinetic uh that makes them uh you know, 136 00:10:05,609 --> 00:10:09,440 unresponsive because uh not enough drug has been given. 137 00:10:09,450 --> 00:10:18,469 So what we do with a predictor test is to basically estimate the pa the pharmacokinetic uh parameter for the patient. 138 00:10:18,750 --> 00:10:24,729 And from then uh re report the best dose uh to give in order to achieve the, 139 00:10:24,760 --> 00:10:31,570 the level which is consistent with the uh the most uh uh effective disease control to be achieved for the patient. 140 00:10:32,169 --> 00:10:33,059 So we are offering, 141 00:10:33,070 --> 00:10:38,049 we have developed a test for the Infliximab as well as Adalimumab which is Humira, 142 00:10:38,909 --> 00:10:41,309 but these are antimony causes factor. 143 00:10:41,460 --> 00:10:49,549 And we are also developing the test for vidur as well as uh is that are widely used also in the treatment of, 144 00:10:49,559 --> 00:10:51,969 of uh inflammatory bubble disease. 145 00:10:51,979 --> 00:10:52,669 Wow, 146 00:10:52,679 --> 00:10:55,450 uh for MET is a suite of tests. 147 00:10:55,460 --> 00:11:00,940 Goes well beyond um the PGX testing that our audience is most familiar with, 148 00:11:01,299 --> 00:11:08,679 uh which typically only includes snips for cyp genes and some pharmacodynamic genes. 149 00:11:08,690 --> 00:11:31,424 This is really exciting um genes and biomarkers related to immunology are not commonly found in what I call the box PGX tests such as those uh made by large uh laboratory manufacturing companies um where the panel has a set number of genes and uh you know, 150 00:11:31,434 --> 00:11:36,054 it was developed by a larger laboratory for maybe smaller laboratories use. 151 00:11:36,729 --> 00:11:39,010 So my understanding, 152 00:11:39,020 --> 00:11:53,729 having talked with you extensively theory is that immunology has fewer PGX test available because it's actually more difficult say than oncology to research and develop tests. 153 00:11:53,739 --> 00:11:54,119 So, 154 00:11:54,130 --> 00:12:00,729 could you elaborate for our audience on the difficulties that are associated with immunology, 155 00:12:00,739 --> 00:12:05,830 research and developing tests uh for immunology versus say oncology? 156 00:12:06,330 --> 00:12:06,530 Yeah, 157 00:12:06,539 --> 00:12:07,049 sure. 158 00:12:07,059 --> 00:12:09,969 So in uh in immunology, 159 00:12:09,979 --> 00:12:11,590 as compared to oncology, 160 00:12:11,599 --> 00:12:17,169 there is no such a thing such as a somatic mutation where for example, 161 00:12:17,179 --> 00:12:18,429 you're gonna have a behalf, 162 00:12:18,440 --> 00:12:18,659 you know, 163 00:12:18,669 --> 00:12:20,349 that indicates that the patient, 164 00:12:20,679 --> 00:12:20,919 you know, 165 00:12:20,929 --> 00:12:25,239 is likely to benefit or not from some treatment in immunology. 166 00:12:25,250 --> 00:12:26,750 This is far more complicated, 167 00:12:26,760 --> 00:12:28,830 complicated for the reason, 168 00:12:29,239 --> 00:12:31,020 starting with uh the fact that, 169 00:12:31,030 --> 00:12:31,179 you know, 170 00:12:31,190 --> 00:12:36,219 the response to this uh medication uh are multifactorial. 171 00:12:36,260 --> 00:12:37,820 And the fact that uh you know, 172 00:12:37,830 --> 00:12:39,380 the mutation that uh the, 173 00:12:39,390 --> 00:12:39,619 the, 174 00:12:39,630 --> 00:12:45,190 the single nucleotide polymorphism in the GM line which uh uh you know, 175 00:12:45,200 --> 00:12:52,429 can potentially associate with uh with outcome uh uh uh uh a lo in advance, 176 00:12:52,440 --> 00:12:58,359 meaning that uh they're gonna have a weak association uh with a response to those medications. 177 00:12:58,369 --> 00:13:09,609 So there is a necessity in immunology to combine multiple genetic polymorphism together in order to achieve uh some uh performances characteristics that will make uh you know, 178 00:13:09,619 --> 00:13:09,859 the, 179 00:13:09,869 --> 00:13:10,380 the, 180 00:13:10,390 --> 00:13:10,520 the, 181 00:13:10,530 --> 00:13:13,219 the clinician uh you know, 182 00:13:13,419 --> 00:13:15,619 uh order the test and most importantly, 183 00:13:15,630 --> 00:13:15,840 the, 184 00:13:15,849 --> 00:13:16,179 the, 185 00:13:16,190 --> 00:13:17,739 the payer to pay for the test. 186 00:13:17,750 --> 00:13:20,469 So this field has been uh you know, 187 00:13:20,479 --> 00:13:20,679 is, 188 00:13:20,690 --> 00:13:21,705 is moving for, 189 00:13:21,715 --> 00:13:21,994 you know, 190 00:13:22,005 --> 00:13:24,575 there are some tests that are being developed right now. 191 00:13:24,924 --> 00:13:39,034 But the biggest challenge is to be able to achieve again the the threshold of uh of performance that makes the test is variable enough uh to be uh again ordered by the clinician and the utilize uh to the benefit of the patient. 192 00:13:39,659 --> 00:13:41,200 I couldn't agree with you more. 193 00:13:41,210 --> 00:13:53,489 Um I've worked on the payer side or market access side of pharmacogenomics and even uh with a box test for which there's um a lot of research data available, 194 00:13:53,500 --> 00:13:55,119 even with those, 195 00:13:55,130 --> 00:13:59,760 it's sometimes difficult uh to get payers um to see the value. 196 00:13:59,770 --> 00:14:01,640 So I absolutely agree with you. 197 00:14:01,940 --> 00:14:03,679 Um The fact that you guys are, 198 00:14:03,690 --> 00:14:11,789 are uh investing in producing the data necessary says a lot about your laboratory. 199 00:14:11,979 --> 00:14:12,559 Um you know, 200 00:14:12,570 --> 00:14:15,380 and how committed you are to this testing and, 201 00:14:15,390 --> 00:14:17,320 and how you believe in the testing. 202 00:14:18,039 --> 00:14:23,640 So I just want to make sure that our audience recognizes that, 203 00:14:24,359 --> 00:14:24,619 you know, 204 00:14:24,630 --> 00:14:31,820 Prometheus doesn't simply provide tests to determine if drugs for IBD will be effective and safe. 205 00:14:32,190 --> 00:14:36,900 Um And maybe what the dose of the drug should be for the patient, 206 00:14:36,909 --> 00:14:40,219 but you have that whole suite of tests. 207 00:14:40,229 --> 00:14:47,380 Um the diagnostic test for the differential diagnosis all the way through remission. 208 00:14:48,030 --> 00:14:53,390 So can you elaborate you elaborated on it some in the previous question? 209 00:14:53,400 --> 00:15:01,229 But um can you tell us the difference between how you had to actually develop the test? 210 00:15:01,520 --> 00:15:02,530 Um You didn't, 211 00:15:02,539 --> 00:15:03,059 in other words, 212 00:15:03,070 --> 00:15:10,659 purchase a test from another manufacturer with the biomarkers that you include in your testing. 213 00:15:10,669 --> 00:15:16,830 Can you elaborate on how much more difficult it is to to develop a test from scratch? 214 00:15:18,169 --> 00:15:18,320 Yeah, 215 00:15:18,330 --> 00:15:18,659 sure. 216 00:15:18,669 --> 00:15:18,809 I mean, 217 00:15:18,820 --> 00:15:22,070 this is this is challenging for multiple and first of all, 218 00:15:22,080 --> 00:15:23,130 you need to have the, 219 00:15:23,419 --> 00:15:27,450 you need to have a clinical data set available with specimen available. 220 00:15:27,460 --> 00:15:28,159 Uh you know, 221 00:15:28,169 --> 00:15:28,780 in front, 222 00:15:28,859 --> 00:15:29,770 obviously, 223 00:15:29,859 --> 00:15:30,890 available. 224 00:15:31,200 --> 00:15:35,890 Uh So we are leveraging a pro meters a large bi bank of specimen. 225 00:15:36,299 --> 00:15:37,190 Uh as I said, 226 00:15:37,200 --> 00:15:39,719 Prometheus has been founded 25 years ago. 227 00:15:39,729 --> 00:15:40,599 So over the, 228 00:15:40,760 --> 00:15:41,919 the past two decades, 229 00:15:41,929 --> 00:15:54,849 we have been able to assemble a large uh substrate of data and specimen which we are uh uh using to uh uh establish our proof of concept if you will. 230 00:15:54,859 --> 00:16:07,559 And then when we have uh identify some genetic polymorphism that are uh adequately uh associated with uh uh disease outcome and disease progression as well as uh toxicity. 231 00:16:07,969 --> 00:16:11,469 Then we are entering validation phase where we are uh you know, 232 00:16:11,570 --> 00:16:14,789 using validation cohorts where we are again, 233 00:16:14,969 --> 00:16:22,630 combining multiple modalities together uh patient demographic as well as genetic marker together with theological marker. 234 00:16:22,640 --> 00:16:23,190 Actually, 235 00:16:23,500 --> 00:16:27,419 to come up with some Multivariate models that are uh again, 236 00:16:27,429 --> 00:16:39,250 bringing the performances characteristics of the pharmacogenomic test or its combination with our marker to the level where it's supposed to be in the first place to meet uh uh payer. 237 00:16:39,650 --> 00:16:41,190 And uh obviously, 238 00:16:41,200 --> 00:16:41,760 again, 239 00:16:41,770 --> 00:16:45,320 the patient uh to the benefit of the patient and to, 240 00:16:45,330 --> 00:16:46,619 to improve its outcome, 241 00:16:46,739 --> 00:16:47,429 the outcome. 242 00:16:48,340 --> 00:16:53,380 I think what you're describing really is the future of pharmacogenomics. 243 00:16:53,390 --> 00:16:54,599 Um In other words, 244 00:16:54,609 --> 00:17:03,419 not singing out pharmacogenomics as you know the end all and be all in the treatment paradigm. 245 00:17:03,559 --> 00:17:08,040 But using a PGX test in combination with, 246 00:17:08,050 --> 00:17:09,069 like you mentioned, 247 00:17:09,250 --> 00:17:11,160 other serological tests, 248 00:17:11,170 --> 00:17:12,959 maybe other genetic tests. 249 00:17:13,290 --> 00:17:14,890 Um But you know, 250 00:17:14,900 --> 00:17:25,869 I think what we want our audience to really wrap their heads around is that PGX is just a piece of that larger puzzle um from diagnosis to treatment to, 251 00:17:25,880 --> 00:17:26,910 to remission. 252 00:17:27,239 --> 00:17:29,880 So I think you guys are absolutely, 253 00:17:29,890 --> 00:17:31,579 you're already in the future. 254 00:17:31,589 --> 00:17:32,849 In other words, 255 00:17:32,859 --> 00:17:33,130 you know, 256 00:17:33,140 --> 00:17:39,689 you're already providing all these different uh tests um like you mentioned to, 257 00:17:39,699 --> 00:17:44,310 to facilitate from diagnosis to remission to remission. 258 00:17:44,660 --> 00:17:45,520 That's correct. 259 00:17:45,530 --> 00:17:45,829 Yeah. 260 00:17:46,349 --> 00:17:55,089 So um you've given us so much great information about uh the tests that that you guys offer. 261 00:17:55,329 --> 00:18:02,060 Can you explain to our audience um your newest test? 262 00:18:02,069 --> 00:18:03,859 Uh the responder test. 263 00:18:04,150 --> 00:18:12,979 And um what role it will play in the paradigm from the diagnosis of IBD to remission? 264 00:18:14,050 --> 00:18:14,260 Yeah, 265 00:18:14,270 --> 00:18:14,760 sure. 266 00:18:14,770 --> 00:18:15,569 So we, 267 00:18:15,579 --> 00:18:18,069 we are doing things a little bit different than other. 268 00:18:18,079 --> 00:18:19,489 We do believe that uh you know, 269 00:18:19,500 --> 00:18:21,449 the it has to be simple. 270 00:18:21,459 --> 00:18:24,189 Uh uh We can obviously construct some very, 271 00:18:24,199 --> 00:18:33,530 very complex algorithm and there are some tests that do that with a very sophisticated machine learning based tools that are available using neural networks, 272 00:18:33,540 --> 00:18:33,729 you know, 273 00:18:33,739 --> 00:18:34,790 those sorts of things. 274 00:18:34,800 --> 00:18:39,729 But we have taken on a different approach where with the responder test, 275 00:18:39,739 --> 00:18:40,329 we are basically, 276 00:18:40,339 --> 00:18:45,160 we are taking an approach which is very simple to address the first and foremost. 277 00:18:45,170 --> 00:18:53,020 Most important aspect of responding uh predicting response to uh to medication is the pharmacokinetics. 278 00:18:53,280 --> 00:19:03,250 Uh You cannot be responding to a drug if the drug is not given and you obviously cannot respond to a drug if the drug is not metabolized adequately. 279 00:19:03,359 --> 00:19:06,349 And this is what we are doing with the responder test. 280 00:19:06,579 --> 00:19:09,010 We are addressing some uh uh you know, 281 00:19:09,020 --> 00:19:11,630 fundamental issues with those uh biologist, 282 00:19:11,640 --> 00:19:12,410 for example, 283 00:19:12,660 --> 00:19:15,170 uh the anti tumor necrosis factors. 284 00:19:15,180 --> 00:19:15,650 So, 285 00:19:15,750 --> 00:19:19,199 such as uh Infliximab and Adalimumab, 286 00:19:19,209 --> 00:19:23,050 it is well known uh that uh uh those drugs, 287 00:19:23,060 --> 00:19:25,689 first of all are prone to immunization. 288 00:19:25,989 --> 00:19:36,949 Uh Meaning that uh uh the drug itself uh is recognized by the immune system uh and digested by the antigen presenting cells. 289 00:19:36,959 --> 00:19:42,209 If you will uh where you gonna have uh uh an immune uh uh response, 290 00:19:42,380 --> 00:19:56,979 uh mounted a cancer drug to produce uh immunogen that will severely impact its pharmacokinetics where the labels will be inadequate to produce uh the desired uh anti-inflammatory effects. 291 00:19:56,989 --> 00:19:57,150 So, 292 00:19:57,160 --> 00:19:58,890 we are with the risk conductors, 293 00:19:58,900 --> 00:20:01,040 we are combining two things together. 294 00:20:01,189 --> 00:20:07,959 First of all is the genetic test itself which uh predicts the risk of immun immunization. 295 00:20:07,969 --> 00:20:18,010 The name of the test is on HL A uh DQ A 105 ali uh that uh uh promotes the presentation of the, 296 00:20:18,020 --> 00:20:19,130 of the, 297 00:20:19,140 --> 00:20:19,910 of Infliximab, 298 00:20:20,010 --> 00:20:20,750 for example, 299 00:20:20,760 --> 00:20:32,130 to the T cell repertoire in order to uh promote the Ronon expansion and the formation of the anti antibodies together with uh another dimension which is the clearance, 300 00:20:32,140 --> 00:20:33,670 which is as important. 301 00:20:33,949 --> 00:20:36,209 Uh One of the key issue is the, 302 00:20:36,219 --> 00:20:36,770 the, 303 00:20:36,780 --> 00:20:41,239 the monoclonal antibodies and uh such as Infliximab or Adalimumab. 304 00:20:41,329 --> 00:20:42,280 But in fact, 305 00:20:42,290 --> 00:20:45,890 a neon antibodies that those drugs are uh you know, 306 00:20:45,900 --> 00:20:49,010 cleared and consumed uh from the, 307 00:20:49,020 --> 00:20:50,949 from the central compartment if you will, 308 00:20:50,959 --> 00:20:54,520 since we are doing a little bit of uh uh pharmacokinetics here. 309 00:20:54,530 --> 00:20:56,020 And uh uh you know, 310 00:20:56,030 --> 00:21:06,670 if the patient present who is uh a high degree of inflammatory burden is gonna have uh the patient will have a high clearance and that's gonna worsen uh in the, 311 00:21:06,680 --> 00:21:13,939 in the presence again of the HL AD Q A 105 genetic marker that uh associate with uh immunization. 312 00:21:13,949 --> 00:21:16,859 So I but this is a combination of both, 313 00:21:17,199 --> 00:21:19,359 these are the predictive factors of pharmacokinetic, 314 00:21:20,359 --> 00:21:38,209 which we combine together where the patient presenting with a risk of immunization as well as accelerated clearance due to the fact that the patient has high inflammation or due to the fact that they are so intrinsic pharmacokinetic properties that makes that the patient, 315 00:21:38,219 --> 00:21:38,300 you know, 316 00:21:38,310 --> 00:21:39,479 will clear the drug very, 317 00:21:39,489 --> 00:21:40,260 very fast. 318 00:21:40,560 --> 00:21:41,670 For example, 319 00:21:41,680 --> 00:21:46,819 due to the inefficient uh recirculation of the drug itself with the new, 320 00:21:46,869 --> 00:21:46,930 the, 321 00:21:46,939 --> 00:21:50,599 the the in the reticular on the system. 322 00:21:50,920 --> 00:21:51,619 Together, 323 00:21:51,630 --> 00:22:02,109 those patients presenting with uh uh together these uh poor prognostic factor of pharmacokinetic origin will tend to be severely underdose, 324 00:22:02,380 --> 00:22:06,719 will not be responding to the drug uh adequately as and they, 325 00:22:06,729 --> 00:22:10,719 and they probably should in the first place if you are able to address uh you know, 326 00:22:10,729 --> 00:22:12,270 the the the exposure. 327 00:22:12,439 --> 00:22:14,079 So what we do with this test, 328 00:22:14,089 --> 00:22:21,640 we will be able to inform uh the clinic that the patient is at risk of achieving, 329 00:22:21,650 --> 00:22:30,829 of achieving suboptimal pharmacokinetics and therefore being able to adjust the dose uh uh to start with more adequately. 330 00:22:30,839 --> 00:22:38,650 So that the the the proper uh exposure is achieved uh during induction to again to, 331 00:22:38,660 --> 00:22:39,040 to, 332 00:22:39,050 --> 00:22:39,380 to, 333 00:22:39,390 --> 00:22:40,890 to achieve a better outcome. 334 00:22:41,040 --> 00:22:47,270 And I think the pharmacist will have a very important role to play here in terms of absolutely, 335 00:22:47,280 --> 00:22:51,239 that information is priceless in the management of these medications. 336 00:22:51,250 --> 00:22:54,930 So thanks for elaborating on that. 337 00:22:56,010 --> 00:22:59,040 And if I may add in our previous conversation, 338 00:22:59,050 --> 00:23:00,810 uh before the recording of podcast, 339 00:23:00,819 --> 00:23:08,869 we had discussed um you guys' robust platform for collaborating with payers to obtain market access and reimbursements for the test. 340 00:23:09,109 --> 00:23:14,109 But without stealing the Thunder from uh Prometheus market access and reimbursement team, 341 00:23:14,199 --> 00:23:22,619 can you please uh briefly detail how Prometheus has proactively worked with payers to solve the problem. 342 00:23:22,920 --> 00:23:27,349 Um the population health problem by building the evidence payers want, 343 00:23:27,359 --> 00:23:41,170 want to see um about your test before you go to the market and then build the test and then hope the payers will see the value and the result and then that will improve the market access and reimbursement for your um precision medicine test. 344 00:23:42,160 --> 00:23:42,339 Yeah. 345 00:23:42,349 --> 00:23:43,180 So briefly I can, 346 00:23:43,189 --> 00:23:43,579 I'm, 347 00:23:43,589 --> 00:23:46,619 I'm probably not the right person to answer that question. 348 00:23:46,630 --> 00:23:47,369 We have a very, 349 00:23:47,380 --> 00:23:52,400 very efficient market access group uh uh pro meters that does a splendid job. 350 00:23:52,410 --> 00:23:59,780 But uh uh uh what I can tell you that we have an evidence uh uh development plan in place where we, 351 00:23:59,790 --> 00:24:14,000 we are establishing the clinical utility of our testing solution by demonstrating uh the payer value uh with respect of uh patient management and uh uh and the, 352 00:24:14,010 --> 00:24:16,630 and the impact of our technology on the, 353 00:24:16,640 --> 00:24:18,119 on physician behavior. 354 00:24:18,430 --> 00:24:21,319 Uh We have uh uh already uh you know, 355 00:24:21,329 --> 00:24:25,160 commercialized uh two of those tests for which we have initiated, 356 00:24:25,170 --> 00:24:29,040 initiated the Power studies uh that uh uh you know, 357 00:24:29,050 --> 00:24:32,000 already provide uh you know, 358 00:24:32,104 --> 00:24:34,484 differentiated and the value to, 359 00:24:34,494 --> 00:24:35,915 to the payer where we are, 360 00:24:35,925 --> 00:24:36,025 the, 361 00:24:36,035 --> 00:24:46,005 the clinicians are basically using our technology to make treatment decision uh as well as uh some prospective clinicality study which we are initiating, 362 00:24:46,145 --> 00:24:47,555 initiating to. 363 00:24:47,564 --> 00:24:48,574 Um uh again, 364 00:24:48,584 --> 00:24:49,425 demonstrate the, 365 00:24:49,435 --> 00:24:49,915 the, 366 00:24:49,925 --> 00:24:50,244 the, 367 00:24:50,255 --> 00:24:53,594 the payer value you uh uh we can certainly follow up with, 368 00:24:53,604 --> 00:24:58,755 uh you can certainly follow up with our market access group uh uh as appropriate there. 369 00:24:58,765 --> 00:25:00,765 Uh They can fill you with more information. 370 00:25:01,349 --> 00:25:01,589 No, 371 00:25:01,599 --> 00:25:02,520 that totally makes sense. 372 00:25:02,530 --> 00:25:03,310 That totally makes sense. 373 00:25:03,319 --> 00:25:10,890 But um we're excited that you're also farm d So how did you get to this role of outside the box path? 374 00:25:10,900 --> 00:25:11,550 There? 375 00:25:11,640 --> 00:25:17,530 There may be a pharmacist student or pharmacist wanting to switch or transition into a role such as yours, 376 00:25:17,540 --> 00:25:19,609 which is a Chief Scientific Officer. 377 00:25:19,619 --> 00:25:20,609 I want to learn more. 378 00:25:20,619 --> 00:25:23,920 So how would you um can you talk a little bit about that? 379 00:25:24,560 --> 00:25:24,780 Well, 380 00:25:24,790 --> 00:25:26,270 we are clinical laboratories. 381 00:25:26,280 --> 00:25:29,400 So in order to uh uh to be in my role, 382 00:25:29,410 --> 00:25:34,020 you need to have uh uh you need to have expertise in clinical laboratory science. 383 00:25:34,030 --> 00:25:36,140 So for the students is basically, 384 00:25:36,150 --> 00:25:36,300 you know, 385 00:25:36,310 --> 00:25:40,770 to do the family degree and then complete the family degree with uh a doctorate, 386 00:25:40,780 --> 00:25:40,930 you know, 387 00:25:40,939 --> 00:25:44,260 which is uh focus on clinical laboratory science. 388 00:25:44,270 --> 00:25:46,079 So you can achieve uh uh you know, 389 00:25:46,089 --> 00:25:47,640 the all the elements you need to be, 390 00:25:47,650 --> 00:25:48,219 for example, 391 00:25:48,229 --> 00:25:53,189 board certified uh as uh as as medical laboratory director. 392 00:25:53,199 --> 00:25:55,160 So you can uh uh so, 393 00:25:55,170 --> 00:25:55,589 uh yeah, 394 00:25:55,599 --> 00:25:56,030 this is, 395 00:25:56,040 --> 00:25:56,400 this is, 396 00:25:56,410 --> 00:25:57,209 this is uh you know, 397 00:25:57,219 --> 00:25:59,160 a great opportunity I think for pharmacies, 398 00:25:59,170 --> 00:26:10,800 there is an absolute need to uh have the clinical pharmacist provide uh uh drug information to healthcare professional as well as uh assist patient with the monitoring of their disease, 399 00:26:10,810 --> 00:26:15,229 the effectiveness of the therapy and um and uh you know, 400 00:26:15,239 --> 00:26:16,060 monitoring the, 401 00:26:16,069 --> 00:26:20,969 the side effect and the toxicity from uh from those uh those medication. 402 00:26:24,650 --> 00:26:24,959 Well, 403 00:26:24,969 --> 00:26:32,119 the I know our audience is going to have uh additional questions for you. 404 00:26:32,130 --> 00:26:32,540 I mean, 405 00:26:32,989 --> 00:26:35,609 you've provided them with so much great information, 406 00:26:35,619 --> 00:26:44,959 but it's only the beginning of what they could possibly learn um about um the testing that you do for IBD and, 407 00:26:44,969 --> 00:26:46,729 and even your career path. 408 00:26:47,050 --> 00:26:47,530 So, 409 00:26:47,540 --> 00:26:49,300 if you wouldn't mind telling us, 410 00:26:49,310 --> 00:26:51,359 um because we have to wrap up, 411 00:26:51,369 --> 00:26:52,670 unfortunately, 412 00:26:53,150 --> 00:26:55,810 this episode of the podcast, 413 00:26:55,819 --> 00:27:00,250 uh could you tell us how our audience members might be able to contact you directly. 414 00:27:01,260 --> 00:27:01,449 Yeah, 415 00:27:01,459 --> 00:27:07,079 I can be contacted on my uh on my email at TT W at como slab dot com. 416 00:27:07,949 --> 00:27:08,810 All right. 417 00:27:09,069 --> 00:27:09,300 Well, 418 00:27:09,310 --> 00:27:14,290 thank you again so much uh for joining us on this episode. 419 00:27:14,300 --> 00:27:15,290 We really, 420 00:27:15,300 --> 00:27:29,530 really hope that our listeners um ideas of not only what PGX can be but how PGX can be utilized in a comprehensive testing suite. 421 00:27:29,709 --> 00:27:35,670 We really hope that our a our audience will um listen in and learn this information. 422 00:27:36,280 --> 00:27:37,869 Um And to our audience, 423 00:27:37,880 --> 00:27:39,439 thank you for tuning in. 424 00:27:39,449 --> 00:27:42,619 We really hope that you've learned from this episode. 425 00:27:43,130 --> 00:27:46,339 Uh We do a whole lot of PG Xing here on this podcast. 426 00:27:46,349 --> 00:27:48,380 We talk about PGX Science, 427 00:27:48,390 --> 00:27:52,030 clinical application and the business of PGX. 428 00:27:52,260 --> 00:27:54,880 So we'd love to hear about from you. 429 00:27:55,099 --> 00:27:56,479 I love to hear from you. 430 00:27:56,489 --> 00:27:58,439 Um What can we teach you? 431 00:27:58,449 --> 00:28:00,920 What more can we teach you through our podcast? 432 00:28:00,930 --> 00:28:12,349 So please drop us a message on linkedin and let us know and please share this link to this podcast link episode with everyone so they can tune in and listen to the PGX for promises podcast. 433 00:28:12,520 --> 00:28:15,369 Leave us a review on Apple podcast or Spotify. 434 00:28:15,459 --> 00:28:18,130 And you can also visit us on PGX four, 435 00:28:18,140 --> 00:28:22,989 the number four Rx dot com to listen to all our other episodes. 436 00:28:23,000 --> 00:28:23,079 Well, 437 00:28:23,089 --> 00:28:23,790 thank you. 438 00:28:24,199 --> 00:28:28,750 Thanks for your interest in PGX and for spending some time with us. 439 00:28:28,760 --> 00:28:35,670 Please share this podcast and leave us a review on Apple podcasts or Spotify for all of our episodes. 440 00:28:35,680 --> 00:28:39,390 Please visit PGX for Rx dot com. 441 00:28:39,569 --> 00:28:43,380 That's PGX for Rx dot com.  

    Using Technology to Decrease Barriers to the Clinical Implementation of Pharmacogenomics: LetsGetChecked's PGx Story | PGx For Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2023 47:06


    On this episode, Dr. Avni Santani, Chief Genomics Officer of Let's Get Checked, Dr. Behnaz Sarrami, and I discuss how Let's Get Checked solves several major barriers that have held pharmacogenomics back from becoming the standard of care in medication therapy management, pharmacists' critical and unique role in PGX at Let's Get Checked, and how nontraditional PGx payers are championing for PGx testing to decrease adverse drug events, increase therapeutic medication outcomes, and improve patient adherence to their medications.  https://www.letsgetchecked.com/mypgx/ Becky Winslow, BS, PharmD and Behnaz Sarrami, MS, PharmD (Hosts) Avni A. Santani, PhD, FACMG, Chief Genomics Officer at LetsGetChecked New boost

    PGx Roundtable: The Patient's Perspective | PGx For Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2023 72:22


    Explore the realm of pharmacogenomic testing as patients open up about their experiences, sharing stories of both success and tragedy. These courageous guests provide insights into the power of personalized medicine and the crucial lessons learned along the way. A journey from medication struggles to success through pharmacogenomics. A heartbreaking tale of genetic-based medication complications. Navigating emotions while uncovering genetic insights. Triumphs of Personalization: Guests share uplifting accounts of renewed health and life improvements due to pharmacogenomic testing. Learning from Tragedy: Stories underscore the consequences of neglecting genetic factors, advocating for greater awareness. Emotional Resilience: Discussing the psychological challenges in the context of chronic conditions and medication adjustments. Empowering Patients and Providers: Guests stress education and dialogue between patients and medical professionals for informed decisions. Join us as we unravel narratives of strength, hope, and knowledge in pharmacogenomic testing. This episode provides a valuable perspective on the fusion of genetics and healthcare, whether you're a patient, healthcare provider, or simply intrigued by personalized medicine's evolution. Special interviews with Christina Delsoldato, Karen Merrit, Christine Von Raesfeld, and Joanne McIntyre. Behnaz Disclaimer: These are my personal views and opinions, and I am not speaking on behalf of Castle Biosciences, Inc.

    PGx Education History & Future Projection with Dave Kisor | PGX For Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2023 43:40


    Dr. Dave Kisor, a professor and director of pharmacogenomics at Manchester University. He graduated from The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy in 1986 and completed a two-year fellowship in therapeutic drug monitoring/pharmacokinetics at OSU. Before he joined Manchester, Dave was professor of pharmaceutical sciences at Ohio Northern University after being a research scientist at Burroughs Wellcome Co/GlaxoWellcome. Dave has over 80 peer-reviewed publications including being the lead author on two pharmacogenomics textbooks. He is a past chair of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Pharmacogenomics Special Interest Group. Dave was named a Fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology in 2017, and in 2021, along with Dr. Tom Smith, he received an AACP Innovations in PGx Teaching Award. His current research is related to PGx and opioid use disorder. Dave currently serves as co-chair of the Pharmacogenomics Global Research Network (PGRN) Education Committee and is Editor-In-Chief of Pharmacogenomics: Foundations, Competencies, and the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process.   Behnaz Disclaimer: These are my personal views and opinions, and I am not speaking on behalf of Castle Biosciences, Inc.

    Desperation to Discovery Empowered by PGx | PGX For Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2023 44:28


    Few people with a cause walk the talk as boldly and graciously as Christine Von Raesfeld, founder and CEO of People with Empathy. Christine is a pillar of patient advocacy and allyship in the rare and chronic disease community. Through the lens of her lived experiences in healthcare, she has become a champion for patient voices, diversity and inclusion in clinical research, and equitable patient-sponsor partnerships. Christine has brought her unique perspective and honed expertise to countless roles as a featured speaker for numerous conferences on topics ranging from clinical trial recruitment to data & digital rights, from a true patient perspective. She serves as an e-patient scholar with Stanford MedicineX and a Technical Expert Panelist with CMS among other roles. Wherever possible, Christine generates momentum toward progress along her patient advocacy interests and has become a thought leader worldwide, stimulating dialog on a range of topics relevant to patients, clinicians, and industry. As a patient advisor, Christine has assisted several initiatives including the Stanford "Humanwide" Precision Medicine Program and the NIH All of Us Research Program and serves as a board member/advisor to multiple organizations and startups. For her many contributions to the field, she has been named one of the top 100 Women of Influence by Silicon Valley Business Journal, a member of the 2021 HIMSS Future50, and one of Medika Life's 50 most influential voices in healthcare among other distinctions. www.peoplewithempathy.org/ Behnaz Disclaimer: These are my personal views and opinions, and I am not speaking on behalf of Castle Biosciences, Inc.

    Maternal Medication Management Through Pharmacogenomics | PGX For Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 33:40


    Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a potentially life-threatening pregnancy disease that may cause weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and debility due to severe nausea and/or vomiting, and may cause long-term health issues for mother and baby(ies). It occurs in up to 3% of pregnant women and may last the entire pregnancy, which can lead to malnourished. Dr. Danielle Plummer has unfortunately been a three-time survivor of HG and she is the founder and CEO of HG clinical solutions (www.hgclinicalsolutions.com). Please visit that website and learn more. She offers personalized medication planning and patient advocacy in addition to educating providers on HG disease state. She has women around the world reaching out to her for advice and support, and she is looking forward to the day that PGx is utilized in all the countries that she is supporting. www.HGPharmacist.com is a link to Danielle's free ebook called "Dear ER doctor, Believe Us" There is also a FaceBook support group: www.facebook.com/groups/hgsolutions. "Coming Soon" is the course called "Preparing for a Hyperemesis Pregnancy". Connect with Danielle to sign up.   Behnaz Disclaimer: These are my personal views and opinions, and I am not speaking on behalf of Castle Biosciences, Inc.

    The Human Cost of Ignoring DPD Deficiency | PGX For Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 36:18


    DYPD is a gene that provides instructions for making an enzyme called dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD). This enzyme plays very important in breaking down a substance called uracil, which is found in our DNA and RNA. Mutations in the DYPD gene can lead to decreased or absent DPD activity, which if you think about it can cause a buildup of uracil in the body.  If someone is DPD deficiency it can make it difficult for the body to process certain chemotherapy drugs and can lead to severe side effects, such as nerve damage, GI problems, and even death. Genetic testing before being placed on a chemo agent, to see if there is a DPD deficiency is vital.  According to Advocates for Universal DPD/DPYD Testing (AUDT), Europe is becoming the standard of care for testing for this gene and only in some selected institutions in the US the testing it being done.  AUDT is made up of a group of patient advocates and medical professionals who are seeking to improve treatment outcomes for patients that are preparing to receive chemotherapy based on fluoropyrimidine drugs. One of the founders of this non-profit organization, AUDT, Karen Merritt is our guest today. She lost her mother in 2014 due to being DPD deficient and after getting her first infusion of 5FU. Karen dedicated herself to advocating and raising awareness about pre-testing for DPD deficiency before fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy administration to reduce unnecessary suffering. Disclaimer: These are my personal views and opinions, and I am not speaking on behalf of Castle Biosciences, Inc. Resources: https://test4dpd.org/about-us/

    Beyond the PGx Certificate: Real World PGx Experiences in the Business of Pharmacogenomics | PGx For Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2023 36:54


    Pharmacogenomics consulting isn't the glamorous and highly lucrative career path some voices in the pharmacogenomics industry portray it to be... In this episode, Behnaz and Becky dispel the "get rich quick" myth about PGx and discuss what pharmacists need to know “beyond the PGX certificate” to be successful creating a career in pharmacogenomics as they have. So, don't quit your full time pharmacist job to become a pharmacogenomics consultant until you listen to this enlightening episode of the PGx for Pharmacists Podcast! https://cpicpgx.org/ Disclaimer: These are my personal views and opinions, and I am not speaking on behalf of Castle Biosciences, Inc.

    The State of the PGx Testing Industry December 2022: Pressing Issues and Future Projections

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2022 34:19


    In this episode of the PGx for Pharmacists Podcast, Behnaz and Becky take a break from interviewing other pharmacogenomics experts and share their expert opinions on current pressing issues and future projections for the pharmacogenomics industry. In addition, Behnaz and Becky drop a few hints on what listeners can look forward to from the PGx for Pharmacists Podcast starting in 2023. www.stoplabcuts.org www.cap.org/member-resources/articles/message-from-the-cap-president-on-the-valid-act   Disclaimer: These are my personal views and opinions, and I am not speaking on behalf of Castle Biosciences, Inc.

    PGx Experts in a Multidisciplinary Precision Medicine Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2022 42:58


    Dr. Lucas Berenbrok is a pharmacist educator and researcher at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He co-led the implementation of outpatient pharmacogenomic services at University of Pittsburg Medical Center. This unique service, called Primary Care Precision Medicine, provides pharmacogenetic and genetic testing to patients in local and surrounding areas. With his colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh, Berenbrok co-created Test2LearnTM, a pharmacogenomics certificate program for pharmacists. Dr. Neda Leonard, CEO of Rx Gene IQ and she is a Dual Board-Certified Pharmacist in Pharmacotherapy and Geriatrics. She has experience in various setting such as Program for All-inclusive Care for Elderly (PACE) where she uses her expertise in medication management and PGx. She is a seasoned speaker locally and nationally on various subject matters such as pharmacogenomics and polypharmacy. She has published in Drug Metabolism Reviews and was featured in THE CONSULTANT PHARMCIST Journal. Currently she partners with a group of Geriatricians/Internal Medicine physicians using a collaborative practice agreement for patients living independently, in assisted living facilities or in skilled nursing facilities. She has many tools in her toolbox to use such as pharmacogenomics, deprescribing, geriatric medication optimization, Part D Comprehensive Medication Management (CMR) and Targeted Medication Review (TMR),and working with various private insurances such as United Healthcare and Optum. A Multidisciplinary Precision Medicine Service in Primary Care www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8786423/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Polypharmacy and PGx Guided Therapy in PTSD | PGx For Pharmacist

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2022 47:30


    Dr. Larry Shapiro is a clinical psychologist that started back in 1990 but quote on quote retired to become a financial advisor. He was having a discussion with his brother one day, who was a career officer in the Army, returning from Afghanistan. That make Dr. Shapiro to re-think about his contributions to his community, so he got his license back, trained in military trauma, and started again as a psychologist in 2014. He started at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute specializing in treatment of OCD, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, simple phobias, depression, and combat trauma. Last year he attended the annual Boston Trauma Conference and heard for the first time about the use of psychedelic medicines for treatment of trauma. So after a 150 hour certification program at Integrative Psychiatry Institute he became certified in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy which now is part of his current practice. Just this year in January he went into private practice so he can focus more on psychedelics. He is also an adjunct instructor in the department of psychiatry at Washington University in St. Louis and a clinical consultant for psilocybin research at Healthy Minds Lab at Washington University. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which is one of the most common psychiatric disorders which affects about 8 million adults at some point in their lifetime in the United States. But it is not clear as to why only some people who experience a traumatic event develop PTSD. Some people say it's a social construct but in the largest and most diverse genetic study of PTSD to date, scientists from University of California San Diego School of Medicine and more than 130 additional institutions participating in the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium found that PTSD has a strong genetic component similar to other psychiatric disorders. Genetics seem to accounts for between 5 and 20 percent of the variability in PTSD risk following a traumatic event. Resources: https://health.ucsd.edu/news/releases/Pages/2019-10-08-study-reveals-ptsd-has-strong-genetic-component.aspx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Research Data Validates the Value of Pharmacists Providing Consult Reports to Support Pharmacogenomics Report Interpretation: An Interview with the Research Investigators

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2022 49:08


    Significant challenges to widescale clinical implementation of PGx include a lack of physician experience using PGx test data or confidence in interpreting PGx test data and integrating the data into the medication therapy management process. For PGx to be most impactful, prescribers must consider PGx data within the context of other non-genetic patient-specific factors. Pharmacists may help prescribers with PGx test data by creating a summary of medication therapy management recommendations for the patient that streamlines PGx report flags and identifies other pharmacotherapy interventions the pharmacist recognizes while applying non-genetic patient-specific data to the PGx test data. In this episode of the PGx for Pharmacists podcast, Dr. Becky Winslow discusses the research study, "Pharmacist Consult Reports to Support Pharmacogenomics Report Interpretation," with two of the research investigators, Dr. Anna Langerveld and Dr. David Bright. Dr. Langerveld and Dr. Bright share how this research adds to the growing evidence that clinical pharmacists can help improve the utility of PGx and prescribing. They also share how their study described a process for reducing PGx laboratory report information to a single page of patient-specific clinical recommendations. Lastly, they share that while clinical decision support tools are becoming more routine for pharmacogenomic management, the pharmacists in this study reduced the number of report-based alerts independent of sophisticated clinical decision support informatics. Anna Langerveld, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of Genemarkers, a contract research organization and CLIA/CAP certified testing laboratory specializing in genomics. Anna received her B.A. in Psychology from SUNY Binghamton and her Ph.D. from the Interdisciplinary Program in Neurosciences at Tulane University. After receiving her Ph.D., Anna served as a Research Assistant Professor at Western Michigan University. She founded Genemarkers in 2008. Under her leadership, Michigan Celebrates Small Business recognized the Company as one of the Top 50 Michigan Companies to watch. Anna is an author of peer-reviewed publications, an NIH grant recipient, and an invited speaker at a wide range of national meetings. Anna currently serves as an adjunct professor and an advisory board member for the Manchester University pharmacogenomics program and holds a community faculty position at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. Anna has been instrumental in developing strategic community partnerships to implement the use of genomics in clinical care, with a particular focus on mental health and underserved populations. Dr. David Bright is a Professor of Pharmacy at Ferris State University, where he has taught therapeutics and medication therapy management. He received his PharmD degree from the University of Toledo, completed a community pharmacy residency with Kroger Pharmacy and the University of Toledo, and served on the faculty at the Ohio Northern University as a community pharmacy residency program director. His research has primarily involved the pragmatic implementation and improvement of non-dispensing pharmacy services, particularly in the outpatient setting. Most recently, that has involved the integration of pharmacogenomics into clinical practice through community pharmacy and ambulatory care practice models. Research discussed in the podcast episode: Bright D, Saadeh C, DeVuyst-Miller S, Sohn M, Choker A, Langerveld A. Pharmacist Consult Reports to Support Pharmacogenomics Report Interpretation. Pharmgenomics Pers Med. 2020 Dec 10;13:719-724. doi: 10.2147/PGPM.S276687. PMID: 33328756; PMCID: PMC7735940. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7735940/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Physician-Pharmacist Collaboration At Its Best | PGX For Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2022 43:45


    Dr. Sandra Awaida is a clinical pharmacist that has been practicing in the US since 1999. She worked as an attending pharmacist at the Massachusetts General hospital which is a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital in the intensive care unit and internal medicine department where she also served on the pharmacy residency advisory committee, the MGH pharmacy research committee and a writer to the MGH pharmacy newsletter. She joined Novartis Canada working on new product launches, developing medical content and speaking on national meetings. Her passion for clinical pharmacy led her on to teach at several universities in the US and abroad until she found her calling when she founded a private cardiology practice where she incorporated Chronic Care Management, Remote Patient Monitoring or RPM and PGx. She is the founder of PreciGenX, LLC. Since 2008, she has worked to advance the non traditional role of pharmacists in medical practices and is a is a huge advocate of a preventative approach to patient care. She is constantly looking to create value by marrying cutting-edge innovative services with the highest evidence-based medicine to achieve the best outcome for her patients and increase ROI or Return of Investment for physicians. And of course she has been mentoring and coaching others to be able to do the same. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Camille Schrier - Miss America's Mental Health Journey | PGX For Pharmacsts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2022 44:33


    Camille Schrier, Miss America 2020 is currently pursuing her Pharmacy degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. She completed a dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biochemistry and systems biology. Camille blew up the onstage talent competition with a highly engaging and entertaining version of the “catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide,” Ok let me repeat that. catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, and that won her Miss Virginia in June of 2019 and then Miss America in December 2019 live on NBC. While competing for the job, Camille wanted it known that “Miss America can be a scientist and a scientist can be Miss America.” She is not only the first woman to win the title using science as a talent, but also as the only Miss America to speak in the General Assembly of the UN, to become grounded by a global pandemic, and be asked to serve for two full years as a direct result of COVID-19. Since then Camille has focused on advocating for her social initiative which is called “Mind Your Meds: Drug Safety and Abuse Prevention from Pediatrics to Geriatrics” with a major focus on the opioid epidemic, as well as for exciting youth in the areas of STEM. Just last year, Camille launched her own science educational brand called “Her Royal Scientist”, which furthers her goal to inspire and educate youth and normalize females in science roles. She also works to raise awareness of the genetic condition that impacts her life, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day Featuring The Right Drug Dose Act | PGX For Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2022 42:46


    In recognition of National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day, March 24, 2022, Dr. Becky Winslow, CEO of inGENEious RX Precision Medicine Consultants, and Dr. Behnaz Sarrami, PGx Medical Science Liaison of Missouri Pharmacogenomics Consulting, teamed up to cohost a special live episode of the PGx for Pharmacists Podcast. In this episode, Dr. Winslow and Dr. Sarrami interview Ms. Kristine Ashcraft, STRIPE Steering Committee member; former CEO and founder of YouScript; director of medical affairs at Invitae; a BIS Research recognized top 25 leading voice in precision medicine; and author of multiple publications on both the clinical and economic benefits of PGx testing, and Ms. Rachel Brummert, Special Government Employee (SGE) at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; contributor at Drugwatch and Medshadow Foundation; and nationally recognized patient safety advocate who has turned the pain she suffered from an adverse drug event into her purpose. Topics discussed in this episode include: The financial and clinical costs resulting from adverse drug events' (ADEs) morbidity and mortality. Pharmacogenomic testing as a tool to mitigate ADEs. The Right Drug Dose Now Act which was recently introduced by Representatives Swalwell and Emmer and whose intent is to update the Department of Health and Human Services' National Action Plan for Adverse Drug Event Prevention to include funding for pharmacogenomics testing advocacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Clinical Decision Support Software: A Key Tool for Optimizing Population Health Level Pharmacogenomics Programs | PGx For Pharmacist

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2022 32:19


    Episode Description: On this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Shaman, Chief Science Officer at Coriell Life Sciences, and I discuss the importance of population health level pharmacogenomics versus one time pharmacogenomics tests and how clinical decision support software that integrates pharmacogenomics data into patients' medication therapy management is a key tool to optimize population health level pharmacogenomics programs. References: 1. Real-World Impact of a Pharmacogenomics-Enriched Comprehensive Medication Management Program https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4426/12/3/421 2. Idiopathic Symptoms Resolved by Pharmacogenomics-Enriched Comprehensive Medication Management: A Case Report https://www.cureus.com/articles/81096-idiopathic-symptoms-resolved-by-pharmacogenomics-enriched-comprehensive-medication-management-a-case-report 3. Consequences of CYP2D6 Copy-Number Variation for Pharmacogenomics in Psychiatry https://www.coriell.com/resources/consequences-of-cyp2d6-copy-number-variation-for-pharmacogenomics-in-psychiatry/ 4. The Coriell personalized medicine collaborative pharmacogenomics appraisal, evidence scoring and interpretation system https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3978656/ 5. ASP Establishes March 24th as National Adverse Drug Event Awareness Day https://www.stopadr.org/blog/asp-establishes-march-24-as-national-adverse-drug-event-awareness-day-launches-awareness-campaign Guest's Bio: Jeffrey A. Shaman, PhD, MS, is the Chief Science Officer at Coriell Life Sciences (CLS), an international leader in precision medicine. Leveraging extensive experience in genetics and pharmacology, he is a leading expert in the rapidly evolving field of pharmacogenomics (PGx), the study of how an individual's DNA impacts his or her response to medication. Most importantly, Dr. Shaman plays a critical role in bridging the gap between genetic science and clinical application. This includes translating decades of cutting-edge genetic research into actionable insights on the safest and most effective medications for individuals based on their unique DNA and dozens of other factors. Driven to advance public health, Dr. Shaman is focused on enabling the delivery of personalized medicine at scale and empowering the most precise medical care worldwide. He consults with large employers, public and private payer organizations, healthcare systems, academic institutions, and laboratories around the globe, advising them on how to eliminate trial-and-error prescribing, improve population health, and control rising healthcare costs Dr. Shaman is dedicated to setting the industry standard for PGx and pioneering new advancements in the field. Along with his team, he actively researches and presents findings in top peer-reviewed journals and at leading industry events. He is an active member of the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC), Standardizing Laboratory Practices in Pharmacogenomics (STRIPE) Collaborative Community, Personalized Medicine Coalition (PMC), Pharmacogenomics Global Research Network (PGRN), and other organizations. Dr. Shaman holds a doctoral degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, where his research centered on DNA, epigenetics, and nuclear structure and function. He earned his Master of Science degree from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Cell & Developmental Biology. Dr. Shaman held a faculty position at the University of Hawai‘i Institute of Biogenesis Research before serving a fellowship at Harvard Medical School and implementing a translational research program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the Bedford Stem Cell Research Foundation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Pharmacogenomics Changed My Life: A Patient's Story, Kristen Ruth Davis | PGX For Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2022 41:20


    Thanks for joining us today as our host, Dr. Jamie Wilkey talks with a patient, Kristen, who strongly feels that PGx testing saved her life.  Join us for a patient's side of the story today! You may reach Kristen at her website: https://www.imnotcrazyproject.org/ her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/imnotcrazyproject or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-ruth-davis-5540142a/ You may reach Jamie at her website: drjamiewilkey.com or on her LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jamie-wilkey/ *This episode discusses mental health and suicidal ideation. While it is not discussed in great detail, if you are having thoughts of ending your own life we strongly encourage you to push pause and call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline right away at 800-273-8255* References: IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science. Medicine Use and Spending in the U.S. https://www.iqvia.com/insights/the-iqvia-institute/reports/medicine-use-and-spending-in-the-us-a-review-of-2018-and-outlook-to-2023 Published May 2019. Accessed June 10, 2020. Spear BB, Heath-Chiozzi M, Hu J. Clinical application of pharmacogenetics. Trends Mol. Med. 2001; 7, 201–204. Table of Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers in Drug Labeling. U.S. Food and Drug Administration website.: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/science-and-research-drugs/table-pharmacogenomic-biomarkers-drug-labelinghttps://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ScienceResearch/ucm572698.htm Accessed June 10, 2020. Preventable Adverse Drug Reactions: A Focus on Drug Interactions. U.S. Food and Drug Administration website. www.fda.gov/Drugs/DevelopmentApprovalProcess/DevelopmentResources/DrugInteractionsLabeling/ucm110632.htm. Accessed June 10, 2020. Van Driest SL, Shi Y, Bowton EA, et al. Clinically actionable genotypes among 10,000 patients with preemptive pharmacogenomic testing. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2014; 95(4):423‐431. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Patient Impact of Limited Provider PGX Knowledge | PGX For Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2022 42:08


    According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, there are more than 50 Cytochrome P450 enzymes but there are just 6 of them that metabolize about 90% of the drugs. One of the most significant ones is the CYP2D6. In an article on healio written by Dr. Jai Patel, he talks about CYP2D6 metabolizing many of the SSRIs, SNRIs and TCAs that are the treatment options for depression. The clearance of TCA's for example is 50-67% lowered in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers compared to normal. www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0801/p391.html  Pharmacogenetic testing may improve outcomes for patients with depression (healio.com) Kristine Ashcraft is a molecular biologist by training and is the former CEO and founder of YouScript which was recently acquired by Invitae. She has worked in pharmacogenomics space since 2000 and was recently named one of the 25 leading voices in precision medicine. Kristine has authored multiple publications on both the clinical and economic benefits of PGx testing. She serves on the Steering Committee of STRIPE which is the FDA collaborative community for PGx. She has been interviewed by numerous media including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and NBC Nightly News and has spoken at American Society of Human Genetics, and numerous precision medicine conferences and now speaking at one of the top 20 genomics podcast in the globe, PGx for Pharmacist Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Pharmacists as Pharmacogenomic Counselors | PGX for Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2022 32:06


    On this episode, Dr. Gillian Bell, a Doctor of Clinical Pharmacy, shares her path from pharmacy school to her non-traditional PharmD job as Pharmacogenomics Lead, Genome Medical.  On This Episode We Discuss:  • Gillian's education (Brief)  • Gillian's PharmD work experience prior to PGx (Brief) Residency  • Gillian's PGx work experience prior to Genome Medical (Brief) Mission Hospital  • Brief description of Genome Medical, its mission, its services, its clients  • Gillian's roles and responsibilities as the Pharmacogenomics Lead at Genome Medical  • What does a typical day at Genome Medical look like for its pharmacists? How do the pharmacists interact with the genetic counselors?  • “Genetic Counseling” or “PGx Inclusive Medication Therapy Management' do the pharmacists provide one or the other or both? Neither? To whom are the services provided? Providers and/or to patients?  • Gillian's advice to pharmacists who want to pursue a career in PGx  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Pharmacogenomics and Provider Status with Scott Knoer | PGX for Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2021 27:57


    According to the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), community pharmacists are highly accessible health care professionals and 95% of Americans live within just 5 miles of a pharmacy. (https://ncpa.org/provider-status) And what APhA or American Pharmacist Association, the largest association of pharmacists in the US is doing is laser focusing on getting provider status for pharmacists. So why is that important when it comes to PGx as this is a PGx podcast? Pharmacists can order the PGx test when they see fit for their patients without the need of a clinician to sign that form.  Scott Knoer, MS, PharmD, FASHP, became the 13th Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Pharmacists Association in June 2020, after serving for nine years as the Chief Pharmacy Officer at the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Knoer is a passionate advocate for patients and the profession of pharmacy. He has successfully lobbied boards of pharmacy in Ohio and Minnesota to allow the advancement of pharmacy practice, and he has led initiatives that changed Ohio and federal law related to the elevation of pharmacy practice and reducing the impact of drug shortages. He received his BA in psychology from Creighton University and his PharmD from the University of Nebraska. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Show Them the Money | PGX for Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2021 35:55


    Pharmacogenomics Market Access and Reimbursement Series Episode Description:   Most of us understand that the reimbursement for pharmacogenomics tests has been one barrier amongst many barriers to pharmacogenomics' wide-scale clinical adoption. Finding myself highly frustrated with the slow clinical uptake by PGx test ordering by healthcare providers back in 2017, I brainstormed about which payers were the most vested in improving patients' medication outcomes and who would therefore more likely to listen to my pitch about PGX decreasing adverse drug events and increasing therapeutic medication outcomes. As a consultant to self-insured employers who were seeking to lower their employees' drug spend, I found a warm and receptive audience for pharmacogenomics. It was through my relationships with self-insured employers that I met today's guest. Again, fate intervened, and today's guest reached out to me via LinkedIn. She had been following my pharmacogenomics posts and liking what she had seen she introduced me to a group of pharmacists in Kentucky who were integrating PGx into their PBM via comprehensive medication management.  Special Guest Jane Cheshire Gilbert, CPA Jane Cheshire Gilbert, CPA Director of Retiree Health Care for the Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Kentucky Jane has served TRS retirees since April 2002. She manages two retiree health plans covering 48,000 retirees. She also serves as a leader in the areas of health insurance cost containment, project management, risk management and federal health care solutions. Gilbert served in management and directorship positions for a Louisville, Kentucky law firm and a cost containment company, The Rawlings Company, from 1989 through 2002. Prior to that, she worked as an accountant for a national CPA firm. Gilbert earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky and is a certified public accountant and a certified government benefits administrator. She has served on the board of the State and Local Government Benefits Association and is a member of the Public Sector Healthcare Roundtable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Molecular Pharmacogenomics: An Australian Perspective | PGX for Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2021 48:03


    Today's episode is the 3rd episode in my PGx for Pharmacists Podcast series entitled, “The State of the PGx Industry: Pharmacogenomics Science and Research". I am super honored that, yet another one of my pharmacogenomics science expert colleagues is joining me on the podcast to provide my audience with high quality, evidence-based pharmacogenomics content. Today's guest just so happens to be joining me from across the world! Like many of my guests, today's guest started his pharmacist career in what we might define as a traditional pharmacist career path and then he transitioned his career to now create and research pharmacogenomic variant cell lines in the lab. His research will eventually be translated into predictive clinical pharmacogenomics software. Featured guest: Zeyad Ibrahim MClinPharm BPS BCOP AdvPP Consultant Cancer Pharmacist and Pharmacogeneticist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Pharmacogenomics: A Primary for Clinicians | PGX for Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2021 42:53


    Dr. Samit Shah serves as the Dean of the Regis University School of Pharmacy. Dr. Shah also served as the Assistant Dean and Department Chair of Biopharmaceutical Sciences at KGI SPHS. Dr. Shah earned a BS in pharmacy from North Gujarat University, a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), and an MBA from South University. He received post-doctoral training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Lam received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Southern California (USC). She completed a two-year fellowship at USC School of Pharmacy in HIV pharmacotherapy and translational research. She is credentialed by the American Academy of HIV Medicine. She is currently an Associate Professor at Chapman University School of Pharmacy. Dr. Lam currently practices in a multidisciplinary medical team treating general medicine, HIV and HIV/HCV coinfected patients with the AltaMed Medical Group in Santa Ana. Dr. Lam has also authored several book chapters and journal articles on these topics. Together with Dr. Mary Gutierrez they have written the book called Pharmacogenomics: A primary for clinicians. Now available on Amazon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    What the Cannabis Does this Have to do with PGx? | PGX for Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2021 31:58


    On this episode of the PGx for Pharmacists Podcast, Dr. Codi Peterson, a Doctor of Clinical Pharmacy and pediatric pharmacist, and discusses what was once a taboo subject for pharmacists and that is cannabis. We will explore how pharmacy has and hasn't progressed in its acceptance of cannabis over the years, what roles Codi plays in the cannabis industry, how he has often had to make clinical decisions with limited pediatric data and how he applies the same logic to evaluate cannabinoid- based therapies. As well, we will discuss the pharmacogenomics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of cannabis. On This Episode We Discuss: · Codi's education (Brief) · Codi's non-cannabis PharmD work experience (Brief) · What sparked Codi's interest in cannabis? · Cannabis' mechanism of action and possible reasons why it isn't yet a standard medication · Codi's PGx cannabis work experience · PGx of Cannabis Guest and Contact Info: Codi Peterson, PharmD, RPh pedrphphx@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Amina Abubakar, PharmD | PGX for Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2021 35:20


    Amina Abubakar, PharmD, AAHIVP CEO of Avant Pharmacy & Wellness Center President of Avant Institute Amina Abubakar graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy University of the Sciences in 2005. She is the owner and manager of Avant Pharmacy & Wellness Center formerly known as Rx Clinic Pharmacy in Charlotte, NC, and the founder of the Avant Institute. She is an internationally recognized award-winning clinical pharmacist, Certified HIV Specialty Pharmacist, a preceptor to UNC Chapel Hill residents and students from several schools of pharmacy. Recently, Amina was bestowed the honor by the National Community Pharmacists Association as 2020's Independent Pharmacist of the Year and also received the 2020 Bowl of Hygeia from the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists for outstanding service to the community. She has fostered an environment that showcases the impact of community pharmacists on patient care by collaborating with medical providers and expanding pharmacist-led clinical services in her community. Her desire to help others advance the pharmacy profession inspired her to found the Avant Institute to offer training to pharmacies across the country on the practical application of clinical pharmacy services through developing sustainable physician collaborations. [Advocacy] Currently, she shares her passion for pharmacy advancements with pharmacists, patients and policy makers all over the country through Pharmacogenomics. She was invited to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and to the FDA to discuss the role of pharmacists in pharmacogenomics. This episode is sponsored by the Ultiguard Safe Pack. UltiGuard Safe Pack is the only pen needle product that comes with an all-in-one sharps container. Learn more about why UltiGuard Safe Pack is the best choice for your patients and your pharmacy.,  Learn more about the UltiGuard Safe Pack:  https://www.ulticare.com/ultiguard-safe-pack/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Nancy Gadelsayed | PGX for Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2021 29:59


    Our special guest & newest host of the PGX for Pharmacists Podcast, Nancy Gadelsayed BS, RPh. Nancy Graduated pharmacy school from Cairo university in 2005, top %10 of her class, with 3.9 GPA She has been practicing as a pharmacist in the States since 2007, with passion for personalized medicine. She is currently a pharmacy manager at a big retail company and is also the founder and owner of Texas Pharmacogenomics Consulting LLC. And is a big advocate for pharmacists and their value in the healthcare team. She has extensive experience in retail pharmacy management and inclusive leadership . Developed and trained teams and brought on board, she leads with passion. She mentors new pharmacists/practitioners and enjoys precepting pharmacy students. Nancy found her true calling in PGx, so she founded her PGx consulting company, Texas Pharmacogenomics Consulting LLC. She believes in giving back to her community, so she volunteers at a local non-profit organization for mental health services, she develops educational materials on mental health drugs for their staff to use in their daily work routine while they are serving patients. She also helps them develop tools and procedures to assist in patients' adherence and decrease their costs of services. texaspgx.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Patient Advocate for PGx | PGX for Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2021 34:35


    According to the American Association for Cancer Research, 80-90% of the administered dose of the cancer medication 5-fluorouracil of 5FU is degraded by the enzyme dihydropyridine dehydrogenase or DPD for short. (https://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/5/8/2006). According to the Institute of Safe Medication Practices (www.ismp.org/resources/screening-dihydropyrimidine-dehydrogenase-dpd-deficiency-fluorouracil-patients-why-not) the incidence of DPD deficiency is low like 1-7% of the population but the consequences can be unfortunately fatal for those few.  Christina Delsoldato, wife and mom of 3 beautiful children has spent most of her life laughing and loving as much as she can. Christina has built a successful professional career in hospitality, customer service and sales. Christina has faced many obstacles and traumatic events during her life. Christina took her mother's quickly declining health into her own hands. Despite having no clinical and medical background, she spent countless nights reading, learning and researching to find answers. These efforts and findings are what allowed her beloved mother to come home to spend her last days on earth surrounded with the love and support of her closest family. Since her mother's diagnosis with Pancreatic Cancer and 5FU toxicity, Christina has become determined to help guide others to self-educate, research and ask questions about potential life-threatening side effects that could indeed be prevented and/or reversed. Tragically, only three months after her mom passed away, her father died suddenly. Christina is on a mission to empathize and advocate not just for her family, but for anyone in need. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Changing Your Life as a Pharmacist | Dr. Jamie Wilkey | PGX for Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2021 34:14


    Jamie grew up in a small town in Wyoming where she got her start in pharmacy working at the local City Drug. She attended the University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy for her Doctor of Pharmacy. For 10 years post-graduation Jamie worked in community pharmacy while having and raising her 4 little boys. However, a young family and community pharmacy work schedules are not highly compatible, so in 2020 Jamie created her own job for herself that better suits her talents, her passions, and her family's busy schedule. She abruptly jumped out of retail and into the world of entrepreneurship and has found her true calling in life. She is the founder & CEO of Arches Health, LLC, and serves there as a precision medicine consultant pharmacist focusing on pharmacogenomics. After getting her practice up and running she turned around and began promoting and empowering pharmacists to champion PGx and create their own consulting practices through her PGx Consulting Confidence Academy. Dr. Wilkey is a member of CPIC as well as the nonprofit organization GTMR. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Expanding PGx Education Programs | PGX for Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2021 28:39


    Implementing Pharmacogenomics into the Education of the PharmD  How do interested faculty start a program for PGx education at their own school? Today's episode builds on the experiences of David Hurley in developing a PGx program at the Gatton College of Pharmacy. His training provides ALL first year students with free PGx testing coordinated with Biochemistry coursework. As we will discuss, making a workable program starts with discovering what PGx resources are available at your institution. Careful understanding of faculty and student abilities and needs are the foundation for making PGx education successful. Our guest today, Dr. David Hurley, has democratized Pharmacogenomics education for his first year PharmD students. As a Biochemistry professor at the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy at East Tennessee State University, Dave immerses pharmacy students with PGx training and free testing in their first semester of the curriculum. In two previous episodes, we've discussed how he accomplished this task and his surveys of student attitudes and interest. Today's episode will provide some of the lessons Dave learned about how to implement PGx education that might be useful for those of you who are starting your own program. David L Hurley, PhD Professor, Dept of Pharmaceutical Sciences Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy  20 Best Genomics Podcasts of 2021  https://welpmagazine.com/20-best-genomics-podcasts-of-2021/  Thank you RxSafe for sponsoring this episode See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Better Utilization of the Pharmacist's Expertise | PGX for Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2021 36:29


    How can we leverage pharmacists to help patients transition better and also allow the providers use the expertise of pharmacists? According to the peer review journal JAMA (Journal of American Medical Association), to improve care when patients transition from a facility such as a hospital to their home, Medicare started reimbursing for what is called the Transition of Care in 2013. It still has a low adoption because the reimbursement is not as high and also takes resources such as staffing.  Link to article mentioned: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2719292  Dr. Chinki Bhatia completed her Master of Pharmacy from University of Sydney with a specialization in in-vitro fertilization. She was then awarded a scholarship from the University of Florida to complete her Ph.D. in Neuroscience. She acquired her Ph.D. while working on multiple projects and writing her dissertation on the role of cannabinoids in short-term memory. After seeing a need for personalized medicine, Dr. Bhatia added a pharmacogenomics certification to her educational resume in 2020. She Co-Founded her company Core Care Rx where she provides pharmacogenomics consultations, value based care services such as chronic care management along with Ayurvedic wellness consultations. She also serves as a preceptor to pharmacy students in Pharmacogenomics.  Dipal Soni, PharmD, BCACP attended Ernest Mario School Of Pharmacy, Rutgers University and graduated with highest distinction. She pursued one year of pharmacy practice residency at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in NJ. During this time she worked alongside physicians in ambulatory clinics where she managed complex medications. Dr.Soni is a board certified ambulatory care pharmacist with major focus on transitions of care and counseling patents. Dr. Soni provided evidence driven recommendations and optimized pharmacotherapy. She was also a speaker in various support groups at the community hospital. Thanks to Rx Safe for sponsoring this episode! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    PGX in Mental Health | PGx for Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2021 38:24


    Dr. Jessica Whelan has extensive experience in the mental health field and has served as a speaker and advisory board member in many areas including psychopharmacology and pharmacogenomics. Dr. Whelan is the CEO of a national network of clinicians with Holon Inclusive Health System and adjunct faculty at Maryville University. She supports multiple universities to provide clinical mentorship for medical and nurse practitioner students. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College in St. Louis. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri Columbia and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice at the University of Missouri St. Louis.  She is brilliant in how her mind works around PGx and routinely uses personalized medicine to evaluate complex patients who have exhausted all other options of treatment. She is definitely one of the most PGx experts of all time. She had me at COMT gene!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Improving Market Access and Reimbursement for PGX Diagnostics | PGX for Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2021 36:16


    ALVA10: the Power of Diagnostics  Have you ever questioned why a payer pays for a medication, yet does not pay for the diagnostic test to determine if the medication will be efficacious and non-toxic for the patient? Or perhaps, you may have wondered why payers agree to pay for a medication for which no diagnostic test exists to diagnose the condition the medication treats?  If these types of questions keep you awake at night like they do me, please join me for this podcast episode in which I and my esteemed colleagues, Hannah Mamuszka and Lena Chaihorsky of Alva10 discuss answers to these questions and the general state of the pharmacogenomics market access and reimbursement landscape.  Lena Chaihorsky & Hannah Mamuszka join Dr. Becky Winslow to discuss diagnostic testing and the preventative savings for PGX testing for patients on multiple medications.  Episode Based on LI article written by Hannah: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bigger-problem-aduhelm-we-dont-know-who-has-disease-hannah-mamuszka/?trackingId=GIb%2BLnNCys35sG19%2Fo0NFw%3D%3D ALVA10:  https://alva10dx.com/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Pharmacogenomics Leader Series: Howard McLeod | PGX for Pharmacists

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2021 47:19


    Today's episode of the PGX for Pharmacists podcast is hosted by Dr. Becky Winslow, PharmD. Dr. Winslow is a pharmacogenomics authority with more than twenty years of clinical pharmacotherapy and pharmacy business operations experience, which includes seven years of direct patient facing care, seven years of pharmacy management experience and six years of experience as a medical science liaison in the pharmacogenomics field.  Dr Howard McLeod is an internationally recognized expert in precision medicine, having made novel contributions at the discovery, translation, implementation, and policy levels.  He is the Medical Director for Precision Medicine at the Geriatric Oncology Consortium and a Professor at the University of South Florida Taneja College of Pharmacy.  Howard received a BSPharm from University of Washington and a PharmD from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy & Science.  Dr. McLeod completed clinical pharmacology fellowship training at St Jude Children's Research Hospital and then the Beatson Institute, University of Glasgow.  Dr McLeod has been a tenured full Professor since 2002 and involved in over $80,000,000 in peer reviewed funding.  Dr McLeod chaired the NHGRI eMERGE network external scientific panel for the past decade and was a recent member of both the FDA committee on Clinical Pharmacology and the NIH Human Genome Advisory Council.  Dr McLeod has been recognized as a Fellow of both the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American College of Clinical Pharmacy and was recently ranked #1 USA/#2 World for Pharmacogenomics.  He has also been an active Board Member and/or Founder for over a dozen privately held and publicly traded companies.  Howard has published over 580 peer reviewed papers on pharmacogenomics, applied therapeutics, or clinical pharmacology and continues to work to advance innovative healthcare. This episode of the PGX for Pharmacist podcast is sponsored by Pharmazam:  https://pharmazam.com/PPN  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Claim PGX for Pharmacists

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel