Opioids
The Crisis Continues
Despite widespread efforts over many years, opioid overuse remains dangerously high.
~154M
Opioid prescriptions dispensed by pharmacies in 20191
80%
Percentage of heroin users who first misused prescription opioids2
71%
Opioid overdose deaths as a percentage of all drug overdose deaths in 20193
13%
Increase in drug overdose deaths during COVID pandemic, H1 2020 vs. H1 20194
Stop it before it starts
So far, most resources in the fight against opioid overuse have been dedicated to helping people who are already addicted. We believe prevention has been overlooked—and we want to change that.
Genetics:
The Missing Piece
An individual’s DNA may contribute significantly to their risk of opioid addiction. Yet information about genetic risk has not been available to individuals or their healthcare providers when considering pain management choices.
Uncovering
Hidden Risk
What if patients and healthcare providers could find out who is at increased risk of opioid addiction before a prescription is written?
Uncovering
Hidden Risk
What if patients and healthcare providers could find out who is at increased risk of opioid addiction before a prescription is written?
Clarifying Risk Through Genetics
Genes involved in the brain reward pathway may affect an individual’s risk of developing opioid use disorder (OUD). We have applied machine learning to create a test designed to analyze information about these genes and assess whether an individual may have an increased risk of OUD. We think this could be game-changing—allowing for more informed pain management choices and putting fewer people at risk.
1. IQVIA Xponent market research services. ©IQVIA 2020. All rights reserved.
2. Opioid Overdose Crisis. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Available online at: https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis
3. Ahmad FB, Rossen LM, Spencer MR, Warner M, Sutton P. Provisional drug overdose death counts. National Center for Health Statistics. 2020. Accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/drug-overdose-data.htm on July 20, 2020.
4. Drug Overdose, New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/07/15/upshot/drug-overdose-deaths.html
Read Our Latest Blog
What is Pharmacogenomics (PGx) Testing?
Just as your genes determine the basic truths of your biology—things like your height and eye and hair color—genes also determine how your body reacts to certain medications. No medication works the same for everyone; in fact, results can vary widely.
What is an FDA Breakthrough Device Designation?
FDA Breakthrough Device designation is granted to novel medical devices that have the potential to provide more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions.
COVID-19 is Worsening the Opioid Epidemic
As the U.S. continues to battle the national public health crisis presented by the COVID-19 global pandemic, our nation’s ongoing opioid epidemic is worsening. During the first three months of 2020, drug overdose fatalities increased by roughly 10%.