Osmetech plc (LSE:OMH), the international molecular diagnostics company announces the launch of a genetic test for CYP450 2C9 drug metabolism. CYP450 2C9, or CYP2C9, is an important member of the Cytochrome P450 family of enzymes responsible for detoxifying potentially hazardous chemicals, such as drugs, that are “foreign” to the body. The CYP2C9 gene is important in its involvement in the metabolism of 10% of all drugs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. celecoxib, ibuprofen), anti-coagulants (e.g. warfarin), anti-epileptic agents (e.g. phenytoin), cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins / e.g. fluvastatin) and anti-diabetic agents (e.g. aprepitant).

CYP2C9 polymorphisms result in a decrease or loss of enzyme activity, which can influence the appropriate dosage of the prescribed drug. The CYP2C9 test is important in optimizing the dosage of drugs or the selection of alternative drugs. Moreover, during the development of new drugs metabolized by CYP2C9, genetic tests assist in the appropriate selection of patients for clinical trials and the optimization of dosage for those patients based on their ability to metabolize the drug.

The CYP2C9 test will be available for research use only on the eSensor XT-8 System targeting the demand for such a test from pharmaceutical testing laboratories, which we believe represents a significant proportion of the current market. In time we may also seek FDA approval for a CYP2C9 test.

James White, Chief Executive, Osmetech plc, said:

“We are delighted to have launched our second personalized medicine assay on the eSensor XT-8 System ahead of schedule. This is an exciting time for Osmetech as we commercialise and strengthen our pipeline of assays for our recently launched eSensor XT-8 System. We look forward to updating the market both on the inlicensing of new assays as well as further progress in respect of our existing pipeline of assays which, if approved by the FDA, are scheduled for commercial launch over the coming months, including: extended warfarin panel with our proprietary 4F2 marker, Cystic Fibrosis, venous thrombosis (Factor II, Factor V Leiden and MTHFR) and the RESPLEX II respiratory pathogen assay recently in-licensed from Qiagen.”