Genetic Testing Kits, What Information do You Want to Know?

In early May, Walgreens Pharmacy had announced its plan to distribute and sell an over the counter genetic testing kit made by Pathway Genomics, Inc that gives results based on a simple saliva collection.  Originally touted as an empowering move, giving consumers more insight on genetic predisposition to a host of particular disease states, it came under intense fire from the FDA just 2 days before it was to be released.  Ultimately, because it did not have FDA approval, Walgreens decided not to sell the product until further investigation had been completed. The idea of genetic testing, and the actual testing itself is not new, and has been taking place for many years.  Whats new, is the idea of mass marketing the results of an individuals genetic predisposition to certain disease types.  On one hand, a person who finds out … Continue reading →