Rite Aid First U.S. Drugstore Chain to Offer Harmonyx Genetic Testing to Customers
November 12 2015 - 10:00AM
Business Wire
Tests help determine most effective medication
therapy based on an individual’s genetic makeup
Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) and Harmonyx, a leader in
affordable and accessible genetic testing, announced today the
availability of select genetic tests in all Rite Aid pharmacies
except those in New York state. Rite Aid is the first U.S.
drugstore chain to offer Harmonyx genetic testing.
The self-administered oral swab test will help patients
determine the effectiveness of their prescription medication based
on their genetic makeup. Currently, Rite Aid is offering genetic
testing for three classes of medications including those used to
manage cardiac conditions, cholesterol and attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder. Rite Aid pharmacists are available to help
patients and physicians determine if a particular test is medically
appropriate.
“At Rite Aid, we are committed to offering our customers unique
and innovative products, services and programs that meet their
individual wellness needs, and personalized medication therapy
through genetic testing is a perfect example of such a service,”
said Jocelyn Konrad, Rite Aid executive vice president of pharmacy.
“By offering Harmonyx genetic testing to our customers, we’re
helping to ensure that the medication they are taking is the most
effective medication to help them treat and manage their condition
while avoiding unnecessary and potentially harmful side
effects.”
Customers can purchase the testing kit at any Rite Aid (except
those in New York). .Once the customer’s cheek is swabbed, Rite Aid
pharmacists return the sample to Harmonyx for processing. Harmonyx
provides a state licensed physician to review each patient test and
detailed results are returned to both the pharmacist and treating
physician in as little as 24 hours once the laboratory receives the
test. Rite Aid pharmacists are available to discuss the results
with the patient and their physician to find the best medication
choice based on the patient’s genetic makeup and other relevant
clinical factors.
“Knowledge really is power so the more people who are aware of
the availability and accessibility of these genetic tests, the
greater the impact we can have on the health of our communities,”
said Bob Bean, Harmonyx president and CEO. “With our tests now
being at nearly 4,000 Rite Aid locations, we have an opportunity to
make a true difference in the lives of people by making sure that
the medication they are taking is the right therapy for them.”
To find the nearest Rite Aid pharmacy that offers Harmonyx
testing, visit http://www.harmonyxdiagnostics.com.
Harmonyx Diagnostics is an innovative Memphis-based company that
is changing the way medicine is prescribed in America. Founded in
2009, Harmonyx believes patients should have the power to pay for
affordable genetic testing without the hurdles health insurance can
cause. Harmonyx uses a fully automated genotyping system to deliver
fast, easy and accurate results to qualified healthcare
professionals, helping them determine the appropriate medication
and dosing for each patient. Harmonyx is a CAP-accredited and
CLIA-certified automated genetic testing laboratory. For more
information, visit www.harmonyxdiagnostics.com.
Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation’s leading drugstore
chains with nearly 4,600 stores in 31 states and the District of
Columbia and fiscal 2015 annual revenues of $26.5 billion.
Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and
press releases, is available through the company’s website at
www.riteaid.com.
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Rite AidAshley Flower,
717-975-5718aflower@riteaid.comorHarmonyxBeth Wilson,
901-278-3773beth@creativeinferno.com
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