Bupa is launching a DNA-based medication test and two DNA health risk detection checks as it expands its suite of My Genomic Health tests.
The medication check follows a pilot programme which found 99% of people have genetic sensitivity to common medicines potentially leading to increased side effects, reduced effectiveness or safety concerns.
In response, Bupa’s saliva-based test establishes what medications are most likely to be effective, those people with increased risk of adverse side effects, or critically, based on an individual’s genome sequence, medications that will not work for them at all.
The insurer said the test can change the health journey for those living with long-term conditions – such as diabetes, mental health disorders, cardiovascular diseases and those requiring ongoing pain management – as well as those taking daily medications, to receive the right medication and dosage from start.
Following completion of the at-home medication check, patients will have access to a Bupa GP consultation to review any medicines identified in their genetic test results.
Medication Check launches today for existing members and non-members and costs £300. It will be made available to more than three million workplace members, starting with corporate customers from this autumn, once employers select the benefit.
Risk detection and early warning
In addition to the medication check, Bupa will add two more products to its My Genomic Health suite of genomics products later this year, enabling people to prevent or detect illness earlier, leading to better health outcomes:
DNA Health Check will give people early warning of increased genetic risk of four different conditions; breast cancer, prostate cancer, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It will be available as an optional add-on to Bupa Health Assessments for women over-40 and men over-45.
Advanced DNA Health Check combines insights from medication, disease risk, carrier status, and traits to give a complete picture of an individual’s health profile with guidance on action and support, the insurer said.
The test looks at the genetic risk of developing more than 36 conditions that can be either prevented or have better outcomes if detected and treated early. These include heart disease, metabolic diseases and 10 types of cancer such as breast, prostate, skin and bowel cancer.
Key findings
Alongside the launches, the insurer published results of the pilot it has been conducting.
Since October 2024, 2,200 UK-based Bupa customers have undergone whole genome sequencing to analyse how their individual DNA responds to common medicines, as well as their genetic risk of developing 36 preventable diseases including cancers, heart conditions and type 2 diabetes.
The pilot found:
- 99% of participants had a genetic variant affecting their sensitivity to certain medicines, leading to increased side effects, reduced efficiency or safety concerns;
- 91% of participants were found to be at risk of developing a disease with genetic and lifestyle risk factors, for example fatty liver disease, breast cancer or certain heart diseases;
- 73% of participants had multiple genetic variants that put them at raised risk of developing a condition that could be prevented or detected early leading to better health outcomes, for example high cholesterol, skin cancer or type 2 diabetes;
- 49% of customers were found to be carriers of a genetic variant that could lead to raised risk of certain conditions in future generations.
Earlier this year, Bupa Insurance UK CEO Chris Carroll told Health & Protection how important genomic developments were to the insurer.
He confirmed that having signed up to the Association of British Insurers code of conduct the data is not used to affect pricing or cover exclusions, but that it can still have a valuable impact to inform populations of their risks and help improve health.
In November 2023 the insurer launched an at-home bladder cancer check.
Significant impact of genomes on medication
Commenting on this latest launch and research, Dr Rebecca Rohrer, clinical innovation and genomics director for Bupa, said: “We’ve long known that most medications only work for 30-50% of the population.
“However, this pilot has highlighted just how significantly individual genomes impact the effectiveness of medications in treating conditions.
“With more than half of us regularly taking a prescription medication and an increasing number affected by a chronic condition, it’s crucial that people are prescribed the right medicine from the start, tailored to their unique genetic makeup.
“In the longer term, genomics is key to early detection and even preventing some illnesses altogether.”
Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO of Bupa Global, India & UK, (pictured) said: “Genomics is to play a pivotal role in healthcare innovation. It is a game changer in supporting the UK’s health ambitions, offering the potential to ease pressure on healthcare systems and GPs.
“Findings from our pilot have given us valuable insights into how DNA can affect an individual’s response to medication, to treat patients with the right medication at the right dose from day one.
“This is life-changing for those at the start of their health journey and those living with chronic conditions: prescribing treatment that works, personalising early interventions for better long-term outcomes and maximising medication efficiency.
“Through the launch of Bupa’s medication check, DNA Health Check and Advanced DNA Health Check, we move to more preventative healthcare and personalised health plans: from before symptoms develop to tailored treatment plans for each individual in their journey through health.”
Jaureguizar concluded: “Whole genomic sequencing is fundamentally changing our approach to healthcare, pivoting from treatment to prevention. It has the power to become a health passport that people can reference throughout their lives.
“We firmly believe genomics is the path to health innovation and prevention, reducing the nation’s health burden and giving people personalised knowledge of their own genomic profile to live well for longer.”
