Press Announcements > FDA authorizes first direct-to-consumer test for detecting genetic variants that may be associated with medication metabolism

Press Announcements > FDA authorizes first direct-to-consumer test for detecting genetic variants that may be associated with medication metabolism

FDA clears the first consumer genetic test for how well medications might work 

The FDA just cleared the first DNA test to be marketed directly to consumers as a way to determine how well certain medications might work for them.

• The rundown: 23andMe developed the test to provide information on 33 genetic variants, including a handful associated with how well the body processes medications for mental health conditions.
• The details: The company says the 33 variants are associated with the response to more than 50 common prescription and over-the-counter drugs.They haven't decided when the test will be available to consumers, and the price hasn't been announced. 
• The caveats: The FDA cautioned the test can't determine whether a drug is appropriate, doesn't gauge a patient's ability to respond to a specific medication, and shouldn't be used to make treatment decisions without a health care provider.