In an Australian first, Bupa has today announced an offer of free pharmacogenomic testing kits* until the end of the year for its health insurance customers to understand how their individual genetic profile may affect their response to more than 100 different medications.
Bupa is partnering with myDNA to offer interested health insurance customers pharmacogenomic testing through Bupa's digital health platform, Blua and at Bupa's Medical Centres. The general public will also be able to access the test through Blua at a discounted rate.
Pharmacogenomics provides doctors with insights into how an individual person's body is likely to respond to certain medications. The test looks at 11 key genes that affect how the body responds to more than 100 medications, including mental health, heart health, cholesterol management and pain management.
Tests are done via a simple cheek swab with customers able to order an 'at home' kit through Blua. The results will be sent to the customer's nominated GP and customers will be required to attend an appointment with their GP to discuss the results, and cover the cost of their consultation.
Bupa Clinical Innovation and Genomics Director Dr Simon Benson said pharmacogenomic testing was designed to offer clinicians a more accurate understanding of their individual patients' response to medication to help support more effective prescribing.
"Currently, medications are prescribed without knowing how an individual's genetic makeup may impact their response to the medication. Sometimes finding the right medication can require some trial-and-error. Pharmacogenomic testing can help inform medication choices, reduce side effects, and limit unnecessary healthcare cost," Dr Benson said.
"Pharmacogenomics can provide information to support healthcare providers and patients in understanding how an individual may respond to certain medications, helping to inform more personalised treatment decisions."
If a customer chooses to undergo pharmacogenomic testing this will have no impact on an individual's health insurance premium and results will not be shared with Bupa Health Insurance.
Pharmacogenomic results can help the GP make an informed decision if prescribing a new medication or guide them in making changes to an existing treatment. This could include increasing or lowering dosages or switching to an alternate medication or treatment.
A person's pharmacogenomic profile stays the same throughout their life, so test results can also be used to guide future treatment decisions.
Alongside pharmacogenomics results, doctors also take other factors into account when choosing the most appropriate medication for a patient, including their lifestyle, age, overall health and use of other medications.
Dr Benson said pharmacogenomics could help ease pressure on the health system as it had the potential to reduce avoidable hospital admissions and return GP visits linked to individual's problems with medications.
"The results of an individual's pharmacogenetic testing need to be discussed with their GP as part of their ongoing treatment plan," he said.
"Finding the right medication and reducing side effects with guidance from healthcare professionals can potentially help increase patient adherence to treatment plans and contribute to improved health outcomes."
myDNA co-founder Allan Sheffield said: "We firmly believe that pharmacogenomics testing should be a standard part of care for all Australians, which could help doctors provide more effective, personalised health outcomes."
*Bupa is partnering with myDNA to offer Bupa Health Insurance members, who are 18+ and live in Australia, a free pharmacogenomics test kit and the general public can receive a $49 discount to purchase the kit for $149 in total through Blua. To qualify for free testing, customers need to order test kits by November 30, 2025, and have the sample returned by December 31, 2025. Free testing kits will be limited to 10,000 kits. GP appointments to review the results will be paid for by the customer.
