Myriad Genetics, Inc., a leader in molecular diagnostic testing and precision medicine, today announced the publication of a new meta-analysis of six prospective controlled studies that included 3,532 adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). The meta-analysis showed that when GeneSightâ Psychotropic test results were available to treating clinicians, there were significant improvements in response and remission rates for patients with MDD, compared to treatment as usual (TAU).
Specifically, compared to TAU, patients in the GeneSight arm were:
- 41% more likely to achieve remission.
- 30% more likely to achieve response.
This meta-analysis summarizes the clinical evidence of the GeneSight test, demonstrating superiority over treatment as usual-which often involves repeated medication trials. This study found that the GeneSight test can be a powerful tool to augment a clinician's knowledge, experience and passion for their patients' recovery."
Sagar V. Parikh, M.D., FRCPC, study author, professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan, associate director of the University of Michigan Depression Center
The large-scale data analysis-merging data over many independent studies-provides evidence of the clinical utility of the GeneSight Psychotropic test for patients with MDD who have experienced at least one treatment failure.
"Depression is not just a mental health issue-it's a public health priority. If we want to improve overall outcomes and enhance quality of life, we must treat depression with the same urgency and resources as any other chronic condition," said Dale Muzzey, PhD, chief scientific officer, Myriad Genetics. "This meta-analysis adds to our confidence in the clinical validity and utility of the GeneSight test."
Myriad Genetics plans to submit this data to payers as part of ongoing efforts to increase patient access to the GeneSight test and help patients achieve remission from depression.
About the meta-analysis
The study analyzed six prospective, controlled trials to assess the impact of the GeneSight Psychotropic test on clinical outcomes in a total of 3,532 unique adults with MDD who had at least one prior treatment failure. The trials included in the meta-analysis incorporated the widely used depression questionnaires, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), to assess severity of depression symptoms. Response was defined as a 50% or greater improvement in depression scores from baseline to endpoint. Remission was defined as a score of seven or less on the HAM-D17 or a score of five or less on the PHQ-9.
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