August 16 Week in Review: Noninvasive Bladder Cancer Test; Mental Health Genetic Testing Services

This weekly video program provides our readers with an in-depth review of the latest news, product approvals, FDA rulings, and more. Our Week in Review is a can't miss for the busy pharmacy professional.

Nicole Grassano, Host: Hello and welcome to the Pharmacy Times News Network. I’m Nicole Grassano your host for our Pharmacy Week in Review.

Genomind is expanding its mental health genetic testing services with the addition of Genomind Professional PGx Express, which provides a focused report and set of services to enhance the preexisting mental health genetic test, Pharmacy Times reported.

The Professional PGx Express was created in response to positive clinician feedback and increasing interest in the ways that genetic testing can be used to pinpoint mental health concerns and streamline treatment.

The test analyzes 24 genes associated with mental health, including pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic genes. After genetic testing, physicians are provided with comprehensive reports, so that they can quickly understand and streamline treatment.

The new Genomind Professional PGx Express is designed to comply with FDA warnings that ensure that labeling is accurate and clear and also provides contexts on genetic profiles and how they can affect a patient’s treatment.

The results of a recent study from the Technical University of Munich have confirmed that vaccinations are not a risk factor for multiple sclerosis, Contemporary Clinic reported.

The study used data from more than 12,000 MS patients and found that 5 years before their diagnoses, MS patients were statistically less likely to receive vaccinations than comparator groups. As a result, there was no positive correlation between vaccinations and the development of MS.

The researchers found that there are lower vaccination rates among MS patients, including vaccinations against measles, meningococci, mumps, pneumococci, and rubella. In all cases, the control group had received significantly more vaccinations than those who later developed MS.

The study authors hypothesize that either the patients perceive the disease in their system long before their diagnoses and are avoiding additional stress on their immune systems or there are aspects of the vaccinations that prevent the immune system from attacking the nervous system.

A new, noninvasive test has been developed to diagnose and treat bladder cancer, Specialty Pharmacy Times reported.

A joint team of researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center and the Fudan University in China have developed a noninvasive method for testing that uses a urine specimen, also known as a liquid biopsy.

Investigators compared the tumor biopsies and urine samples in 70 individuals. Both the tumor biopsies and the urine samples were processed through conditional reprogramming cultures. The overall success rate of the urine test was 84%.

According to the study results, the liquid biopsies have the potential to change the current method of tumor analyses and help guide treatment. As urine samples are easily collected, the investigators said that the new method will allow for closer monitoring and information on “real time pathological conditions.”

Pharmacists may get more questions about Trelegy if patients have seen a recent commercial for the prescription medication.

In the spot, called “The Power of More,” the narrator states that Trelegy is the only FDA-approved 3-in-1 COPD treatment

According to the commercial, Trelegy aims to provide relief for those who suffer from COPD when taken regularly as ordered.

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Thanks for watching our Pharmacy Week in Review. I’m Nicole Grassano at the Pharmacy Times News Network.