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BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons Cos. has teamed up with Genomind to offer customers with mental illness a genetic test that could lead to improved results from medication therapy.
Under the collaboration, pharmacy patients at certain Albertsons, Jewel-Osco and Acme stores can obtain free information about Genomind’s genetic test, called the Genecept Assay, which identifies patient-specific genetic markers. Genomind said that these markers serve as indicators of which medications are likely to work as intended, have no effect or cause adverse effects for the customer.
As many as 50% of all mental health patients respond poorly to the first psychiatric medication they try because everyone’s body is different, the companies said in a statement.
More than two dozen Albertsons Cos. pharmacies will participate, including 21 Sav-On pharmacies at Albertsons stores in the Boise area. Also participating in the program are five Jewel-Osco pharmacies at Jewel-Osco supermarkets in the Chicago area and two Sav-On pharmacies at Acme supermarkets in the Philadelphia area.
“We are excited to bring this opportunity to educate our patients about how genetic testing may be able to help them get better faster as they face mental health challenges,” said Mark Panzer, senior vice president of pharmacy, health and wellness at Albertsons Cos.
Genomind markets the Genecept Assay as a treatment guide for a range of conditions, including depression, substance abuse, anxiety, chronic pain and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Test results can assist clinicians in optimizing treatment decisions for patients suffering from the conditions, Genomind said.
“We strongly embrace Albertsons’ mission to help people across the country live better lives, and we are honored now to be part of that effort,” said Michael Koffler, Genomind’s president and chief executive officer.
