Rite Aid First U.S. Drugstore Chain to Offer Harmonyx Genetic Testing to Customers
Tests help determine most effective medication therapy based on an individual’s genetic makeup
Camp Hill, PA, November 12, 2015 --(PR.com)-- 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.
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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Harmonyx
Beth Wilson
901.278.3773
Beth Wilson
901.278.3773
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