Medco Health Solutions acquires DNA Direct

Committed to being at the forefront of translating personalized medicine from the science to its daily practice in healthcare, Medco Health Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: MHS) today announced the acquisition of DNA Direct, Inc., a leader in providing guidance and decision support for genomic medicine to patients, providers, payors and employees. Financial details of the acquisition were not released.

"DNA Direct has been a recognized pioneer in assimilating knowledge about molecular diagnostic testing and deploying certified genetics professionals to help rationalize the opportunities and implications faced by many in this new and rapidly evolving field," said David B. Snow Jr., Medco chairman and chief executive officer.

By integrating DNA Direct's physician, client and patient support services and capabilities with Medco's growing portfolio of personalized medicine capabilities and extensive customer base, Medco intends to deliver a broader suite of precision health services, ranging from consumer education to clinical decision support.

"Medco is simply the most innovative and forward thinking healthcare company in the industry today," said Ryan Phelan, DNA Direct founder and CEO. "Having spent the past 25 years as an entrepreneur translating healthcare information to patients, I can't think of a better partner to take personalized medicine to the next level."

DNA Direct is the first genomics-focused company offering URAC-accredited utilization management programs to help payors ensure the appropriate use of the more than 2,000 genetic and molecular tests available today. URAC is a Washington D.C.-based health care accrediting organization that establishes quality standards for the health care industry. DNA Direct's national call center of genetic experts, complemented by online decision support services help physicians and patients determine if genetic tests are appropriate and how to use genetic test results to guide clinical decisions. Medco's existing personalized medicine approach encompasses a robust pipeline of important pharmacogenetic research, turnkey testing programs for drugs like tamoxifen and warfarin, and warnings on over 50 drug-gene interactions, which are used by Medco's specialist pharmacists to inform physicians and patients about potential therapy adjustments to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment.

"When a Fortune 50 company like Medco makes a commitment to personalized medicine with an acquisition like this, it's proof positive that we are at a turning point in the healthcare industry," said Sharon Terry, president and chief executive officer of Genetic Alliance. "Integrating Medco's phenomenal capacity to respond to its members, with the innovative and creative patient-focused services of DNA Direct is a win for all consumers."

The DNA Direct purchase builds upon Medco's commitment to advancing pharmacogenomics (PGx), a cornerstone of which is the company's Personalized Medicine Research Center.  The research center is dedicated to furthering the understanding of the impact of genetics on patient medication response and applying that science to clinical practice. As knowledge is gained through the research, applications will be rolled out to the broader client base within Medco's precision health services.

"By integrating proven state-of-the-art science into every day care, we are providing patients and providers with actionable information that drives more personalized care to achieve higher efficacy or improved safety," said Dr. Robert Epstein, Medco's chief medical officer. "We have already started this today with our existing Personalized Medicine programs. DNA Direct will serve to accelerate our speed-to-market implementation capabilities, transforming research into actionable services to meet the demands of our clients and patients."