Personalized medicine firm updates its psychiatric drugs screening test

Personalized medicine company AssureRx Health has released the next-generation version of its genetic screening test for psychiatric drugs.

The Cincinnati-area company’s GeneSightRx test, which helps doctors pick the right psychiatric drugs for patients based on their genes, was launched in 2009. The test uses a cheek swab, mathematical algorithms and bioinformatics to narrow drug choices to those that work with a patient’s genes.

The latest version of the test, GeneSightRx 1.8, adds six new psychotropic medications to the panel of 26 medications covered by the test, according to a statement from AssureRx.

The company has also updated its physician portal, MyAssureRx.com, which clinicians can use to order tests, view patient reports and order sample collection supplies. The portal is now accessible on an iPad or similar tablet device, according to the statement.

Last year, AssureRx closed an $11 million series B round of funding, led by California-based Claremont Creek Ventures and Sequoia Capital. Other investors include North Coast Angel Fund, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, CincyTech and Allos Ventures.

[Photo from flickr user Harveyben]