Scientists estimate that every human has approximately 25,000 genes. And every single one of them can tell you something about your body—like what diseases you’re at risk for, what medicines you should be taking, what traits you could pass down to your children and more. So with all of this information available, why isn’t functional genomics included in most traditional healthcare systems?
EDISON BIO is on a mission to change that by offering its Members the most in-depth analysis of their genome ever offered.
But it’s not just your standard, at-home DNA-test-kit. Included in every one of EDISON BIO’s Advanced Executive Health Exams is full-genome sequencing, epigenetic testing, and pharmacogenomics.
Together, these genetic analyses can give you incredible insight into your current health, your future risks and what you can be doing to optimize your performance and longevity.
Below, learn about the importance of genome sequencing, epigenetics, and pharmacogenomic analysis. With these tools, you’ll have the power to take control of your health and prioritize your wellness.
Functional Genomics Full Genome Sequencing
While genotyping has become more prevalent over the last few years through direct-to-consumer-tests, EDISON BIO actually offers its Members 100% comprehensive full-genome sequencing.
The Mayo Clinic describes this genetic testing as “examining the chemical database that carries instructions for your body’s functions.” These chemicals include genes, proteins, and chromosomes—each of which can be analyzed for changes or mutations.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, genetic testing can be divided into three categories:
- Diagnostic: to help discover the cause of an existing disease
- Predictive: to help choose the most effective and fitting medical treatment
- Prognostic: to help determine your risk for developing a disease in the future
EDISON BIO includes all three of these types of testing and analysis in every Advanced Executive Health Exam.
Through this examination process, scientists can uncover incredibly detailed and personalized information about a person’s health through their sequenced genome.
As mentioned above, one of the largest benefits of full-genome sequencing is that it can help you uncover what diseases you have or are at risk for in the future before the onset of symptoms begins. With this information at your disposal, you are then able to pursue prevention, monitoring, or treatment options if necessary. Additionally, all of your medical care moving forward can then take your genetic profile into account. This will allow you to receive the most personalized and appropriate treatment available.
You have the power to uncover so much information in your genes. Don’t waste time guessing about your health risks when your genome could answer many of your questions. EDISON BIO’s comprehensive genetic testing helps you know your risks and how to most successfully optimize your wellness.
Epigenetics
In addition to full-genome sequencing, EDISON BIO also includes epigenetic testing in all Advanced Executive Health Exams.
The CDC defines epigenetics as “the study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work. Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are reversible and do not change your DNA sequence, but they can change how your body reads a DNA sequence.”
EDISON BIO’s epigenetic testing reveals to Members how their health is affected by their unique lifestyle and environment. The results of such testing can help Members make changes to their health habits and improve they way they live currently.
For example, smokers generally have less DNA methylation on their AHRR gene than non-smokers. Yet studies have shown that quitting smoking can reverse this effect.
Overall, it’s not enough to just know what your genetic profile looks like. You should know why it looks the way it does and what you can be doing to improve it. That’s why EDISON BIO makes sure to include epigenetic analysis in all Advanced Executive Health Exams.
Pharmacogenomics
Finally, Members receive pharmacogenomic analysis to give them and their doctors insight into how their bodies react to certain medications.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine defines pharmacogenomics as “the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs…to develop effective, safe medications and doses that will be tailored to a person’s genetic makeup.”
Through their pharmacogenomic analysis, EDISON BIO Members can determine what medication and dosage would be most effective for them when they need treatment for something.
Each of our genes are responsible for the production of certain proteins. In turn, these proteins are responsible in part for breaking down drugs. So, according to the Mayo Clinic, people who share particular genes may also share particular responses to the same drug. These responses could be the need for a higher dose or even an increased risk of side effects.
While this is a relatively new form of genetic testing, the Mayo Clinic reports that there are currently over 200 different kinds of drugs with information regarding pharmacogenomic biomarkers, helping patients and doctors make informed decisions about medication.
The future of healthcare is personalized, and that includes personalized medication through pharmacogenomic analysis. Get ahead of the game by learning how your body reacts to certain drugs and by prioritizing individualized care.
About EDISON BIO
Most of us worry about our health. EDISON BIO advanced, comprehensive, and convenient health screening uncovers hidden disease and health challenges early. You’ll be confident about your health and primed to perform at your highest potential.