Fardy Facts: We don’t all sit inside the “bell curve”

Hi I am Sarah Fardy, I’m your Surf Coast resident scientist!

I recently started FARDY-FACTS.com.au, an online, interactive space to ask science questions and get evidence-based answers – relieving worries and concerns during the COVID-19 info-demic.

BasePair Genomics is an Australian based pharmacogenomics company specialising in at-home DNA tests for genetic guidance for prescription medications. It is an exciting time to be at the cutting edge of personalised medicine science, especially as the world begins to recognise that we do not all sit in the traditional “bell curve” of physiological responses.

It’s evident from diseases like COVID-19 that there’s not a one-size fits all approach. We can never predict how we might respond or adapt to a health condition, based purely on traditional factors of age, weight, gender or race. However, if we dig a little deeper and look at what is going on inside, we can get an idea of what our potential is for certain health conditions.

As we move into the age of telehealth services and reduced face-to-face contact with practitioners, at-home health technologies, like the DNA tests offered by BasePair have never been more relevant to GPs, pharmacists and the wider community.

This month, BasePair Genomics announced the release of its newest mental health test. The Amplis – EVO Mental Health Test is an at-home DNA testing kit that delivers personalised test results to lessen the need for traditional trial-and-error prescribing practices currently used by our doctors, who until now have had no other choice.

Knowing the right medication for a patient should reduce adverse reactions, medication failures and side-effects associated with many treatments. This is particularly useful for patients who are already taking medications, taking multiple medications and patients considering a new medication, to ensure combinations and dosages suit the genetic profile of the patient – we are all different after all!

Genetic guidance on common medications, mental health, and medicinal cannabis are standouts for the company with additional tests being developed for genetic susceptibility to virus infections, among other things are also in the pipeline.

Patients interested in genetic testing for mental health and other prescription medications should head to basepair.com.au for more

information. You can use code SURFCOASTTIMES for $30 off both the Amplis-EVO and Basepair GeneDose kits until May 31.

The test kits are delivered to patients for in-home testing and can be completed with GPs via telehealth services or in the clinic.