Hyderabad AIG Hospitals launches DNA-based drug response testing

Hyderabad: In a breakthrough aimed to reshape the way medicines are prescribed in India, AIG Hospitals, in collaboration with GenepoweRx, has launched the country’s first affordable pharmacogenomics test, a genetic screening that helps doctors determine which medicines will work best for each patient based on their DNA.

Patients taking medication unsuitable for their genetic makeup

For decades, most drug prescriptions in India have followed a standardised model; patients with the same illness often receive identical medications and dosages, regardless of how their bodies might process them.

But according to a joint study by AIG Hospitals and GenepoweRx involving 2,000 patients, nearly one in three were found to be taking medicines unsuited to their genetic makeup, resulting in poor treatment response or adverse side effects.

By using insights from the human genome, AIG Hospitals now hopes to bring precision medicine into routine healthcare, marking a significant shift from generalised prescriptions to scientifically guided, patient-specific treatment.

Understanding pharmacogenomics

Pharmacogenomics combines pharmacology (the study of how drugs work) with genomics (the study of genes) to predict how an individual’s genetic profile affects their response to medications. It allows doctors to identify which drugs are most effective and which ones could cause harm or fail to work entirely.

The test launched by AIG Hospitals analyses a patient’s genetic code to understand how their body metabolises commonly prescribed medicines for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological and psychiatric conditions and pain management.

“Every person’s body processes medicines differently. Some drugs that work well for one individual may be ineffective, or even harmful, for another,” said Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals.

“Our study clearly shows that nearly one in three patients may be on medicines that are genetically unsuitable for them. This has far-reaching consequences for patient safety and healthcare costs.”

Every patient deserves personalised, evidence-based treatment

The findings from the 2,000-patient study are expected to have major implications for India’s healthcare system, where prescriptions often follow standardised patterns. In a country as genetically diverse as India, this approach can lead to unpredictable outcomes.

“At AIG Hospitals, we believe that every Indian deserves access to personalised, evidence-based treatment, not trial and error,” Dr Reddy added. “By introducing this test at an affordable cost, we aim to make precision medicine a part of routine healthcare while also creating a foundation for large-scale genomic and translational research in India.”

The initiative seeks not only to improve treatment outcomes but also to reduce the burden of adverse drug reactions, which are a leading cause of hospitalisation and increased healthcare costs globally.

How does the pharmacogenomics test work?

The pharmacogenomics test is a one-time procedure, as an individual’s genetic code remains the same throughout their life.

Once completed, patients receive a personalised genetic report booklet, which can be shared with any doctor, anywhere in the world. This ensures that all future prescriptions, whether for chronic diseases or short-term treatment, are tailored to the individual’s genetic compatibility.

Making personalised medicine affordable

A key highlight of this initiative is its accessibility. While similar pharmacogenomic tests abroad can cost around Rs 80,000, AIG Hospitals has introduced the test at an unprecedented price of Rs 5,000.

This drastic reduction in cost makes personalised, DNA-based healthcare available to a much larger segment of the Indian population and positions Hyderabad as a national hub for precision medicine.

Partnership with GenepoweRx and Use of AI

The test has been developed in partnership with GenepoweRx, a genomics and Artificial Intelligence company specialising in precision medicine.

GenepoweRx’s proprietary SIGMA-ML platform uses advanced algorithms and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to interpret complex genetic data.

The system generates reports that are simple for clinicians to understand and apply in daily medical practice.

“We are excited to partner with AIG Hospitals to bring advanced pharmacogenomic testing into everyday clinical care,” said Dr Kalyan Uppaluri, Managing Director of GenepoweRx. “This will help doctors prescribe safer and more effective medicines for their patients.”

Integration into clinical systems

The pharmacogenomic reports are directly integrated into AIG Hospitals’ Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. This integration enables doctors to instantly access a patient’s genetic profile while prescribing medicines, ensuring that each treatment decision is informed by genomic data.

This system-level innovation bridges the gap between laboratory science and real-world clinical practice, allowing precision medicine to move from concept to everyday care.

Redefining the future of Indian healthcare

Experts view this initiative as a defining moment for Indian healthcare. The integration of genomic intelligence into mainstream medicine could drastically reduce medication-related complications, shorten recovery times, and improve overall treatment success rates.

By combining clinical excellence with technological innovation, AIG Hospitals aims to make genomic testing as routine as blood work or imaging scans, a step that could ultimately lead to safer, evidence-based medical care for millions.

“This is not just about better prescribing,” Dr Reddy emphasised. “It’s about ensuring that every Indian receives the right drug, at the right dose, for the right reason, guided by their genes.”

Toward a precision medicine revolution

The launch of AIG Hospitals’ pharmacogenomics test represents a significant leap toward personalised healthcare in India. By aligning affordability with advanced science, the initiative could pave the way for a new era of treatment, where prescriptions are no longer generalised but genetically informed.

As precision medicine begins to take root in Indian clinical practice, this Hyderabad-led effort stands as a model for how healthcare institutions can combine research, technology, and accessibility to deliver safer, smarter and more individualised care for all.