In a major step for Indian healthcare, AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad, in collaboration with GenepoweRx, has launched the country's first affordable DNA test in Hyderabad designed for pharmacogenomic testing in India. This test analyzes an individual's genetic makeup to determine the most effective medications, aiming to personalize treatment and enhance patient outcomes.
Pharmacogenomics is a branch of medicine that examines how an individual's genetic composition influences their response to medications. By analyzing specific genes, healthcare providers can predict how a person might metabolize or react to certain drugs, leading to more personalized and effective treatment plans.
This approach moves beyond the traditional "one-size-fits-all" model, reducing adverse drug reactions and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. While currently applied to a limited range of conditions, pharmacogenomic testing in India is rapidly evolving and holds promise for broader applications in the future.1
A joint study by AIG Hospitals and GenepoweRx involving 2,000 patients revealed that nearly 30% were prescribed medications unsuitable for their genetic profiles, leading to poor responses or side effects. The new genetic test for drug response aims to address this issue by providing personalized medication guidance, advancing the reach of personalized medicine in India.
At AIG Hospitals, a 2 ml blood sample is collected from patients, and DNA is extracted for analysis using advanced sequencing technologies on validated platforms like Illumina and MGI. Each patient’s sample generates around 5 GB of genomic data, which is processed to understand how their body metabolizes medications across multiple disease pathways. The findings are compiled into a detailed report and shared with the patient within 12–13 days, according to Hima Challa, a clinical genomics expert from Harvard Medical School involved in the project.
The test examines between 120 and 190 genes that impact drug metabolism. Rather than targeting a specific disease, it provides a holistic view of how an individual may respond to various medications. This means that even if a patient develops a new condition or is prescribed a new drug later, the test results can guide accurate dosing and treatment decisions.
While similar tests abroad can cost around ₹80,000, AIG Hospitals has priced the test at ₹5,000, making it accessible to a broader segment of the Indian population. This affordability aims to integrate precision medicine in healthcare and personalized medicine at AIG Hospitals into routine practice.
Such cost reduction positions India as a potential leader in pharmacogenomic testing Hyderabad, providing an opportunity for millions to benefit from safer, genetically guided drug prescriptions.²
The test results are integrated into AIG Hospitals' Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, allowing healthcare providers to access genetic information when prescribing medications.
References:
1. Cleveland Clinic. "What Is Pharmacogenomics (Pharmacogenetics)?" Cleveland Clinic. Last reviewed October 4, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/pharmacogenomics.
2. DrugsControl Media Services. "Hyderabad Hospital Launches Genetic Test; Claims It Helps Doctors Know Which Medicines Work for You." DrugsControl.org, October 24, 2025. https://drugscontrol.org/news-detail.php?newsid=43471.
3. GenepoweRx. "Most Trusted Genetic Testing in Hyderabad with 100% Accuracy." GenepoweRx. Accessed October 25, 2025. https://genepowerx.com/.
4. National Human Genome Research Institute. “What is Pharmacogenomics?” NHGRI, reviewed April 2024. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Pharmacogenomics.
(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)
