Mayo Clinic Study Highlights Predictive Power of MyPhenome Hungry Gut Test
Introduction The MyPhenome Hungry Gut test, developed by Phenomix Sciences, may help predict patient responses to semaglutide, potentially reducing uncertainty in treatment outcomes for patients with obesity. This conclusion is based on results presented during the presidential plenary session at Digestive Disease Week 2024.
The Rise of Semaglutide-Based Medications Semaglutide-based medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have surged in popularity due to their ability to promote weight loss. Clinical trials have shown impressive results, with patients achieving a reduction in BMI upwards of 15%. However, individual responses to these medications can vary significantly, highlighting the need for more personalized treatment approaches, especially given the rising costs and frequent shortages of the drug.
The Role of MyPhenome in Personalized Medicine
Identifying the Hungry Gut Phenotype The MyPhenome swab test leverages genetic and biological data to identify patients with the hungry gut phenotype, which can predict how well a patient might respond to semaglutide. The hungry gut phenotype is characterized by altered postprandial satiety, indicating how soon a patient may feel hungry again after eating. This information can reveal which patients are more likely to experience reduced hunger and improved blood sugar control on semaglutide, potentially leading to more successful weight management.
Study Results: MyPhenome’s Predictive Accuracy
Study Design and Participant Selection In a study to evaluate MyPhenome’s effectiveness, 84 participants with obesity who were prescribed semaglutide took the assessment. Data were analyzed using Phenomix Sciences’ Machine-Learning Gene Risk Score algorithm to determine if participants were hungry gut positive or negative.
Striking Findings The study results were striking: participants with the hungry gut phenotype lost nearly twice as much weight, achieving 19.5% total body weight loss (TBWL) compared to 10% TBWL among those without the phenotype after 12 months.
Industry Response “We are excited with the results of this independent study of Phenomix’s MyPhenome test at Mayo Clinic,” said Mark Bagnall, CEO of Phenomix Sciences, in a news release. “Demand for semaglutide marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy is at an all-time high; this study showed an ability to identify responders to semaglutide using our test. We are excited about what lies ahead in precision medicine for obesity and are hopeful our test will be a pivotal tool for clinicians across the US.”
Addressing Costs and Accessibility Issues
Rising Costs and Drug Shortages Semaglutide can cost patients around $1,000 per month out-of-pocket. Increased demand has led to persistent drug shortages, making it difficult for patients to access continuous care, which can disrupt treatment plans and lead to health complications.
MyPhenome’s Potential Impact MyPhenome aims to address these issues by optimizing the use and distribution of semaglutide. The urgency for such solutions is rising: Morgan Stanley Research predicts that the obesity drug market will surpass $77 billion by 2030, and other estimates suggest that 1 in 2 US adults will be obese by then.
Conclusion
“Our results underscore the potential of individualizing therapy to improve outcomes that will ultimately translate into improved health,” said Hurtado Andrade, MD, principal investigator of the study, in a news release.