Methylation-based health risk prediction analyses changes in DNA methylation, an epigenetic process that influences gene activity without altering your DNA sequence. This process adds a methyl group (CH3) to DNA at specific sites, affecting how genes are expressed. Each of us has a unique methylation pattern, and while some changes occur naturally with age, others are shaped by factors like diet, lifestyle, stress, and environment.

By examining thousands of methylation markers in the DNA, tools like PCGrimAge and DunedinPACE can reveal your biological age and rate of aging, offering insights into your current health status. Higher the PCGrimAge or a faster DunedinPACE are indicative of certain health issues, helping you better understand the effects of unhealthy lifestyle, stress etc. on your overall health risk and aiding to take preventive measures.

Sequencing targeted genes, whole exome, or the entire genome is beneficial for assessing the risk of various health conditions. By analysing an individual's DNA, this process identifies the presence or absence of genetic variants responsible for rare genetic diseases and certain hereditary cancer. For example, few variants in HBB gene cause beta thalassemia and few variants in BRCA gene make an individual susceptible or increases the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Hence, proactive screening for important health conditions will help to prevent or mitigating the disease risk.

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is the study of how genes influence a person’s response to drugs. Research has shown that individuals can react differently to the same drug based on their genetic makeup. For example, some people metabolize drugs so quickly that the medication becomes ineffective, while others metabolize them so slowly that standard doses can become toxic. This variation is caused by genetic changes in the genes responsible for drug metabolism or transportation. For instance, genetic variants in the CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 genes can affect how your body processes certain antidepressants. Depending on your metabolizer status, your medication dosage may be adjusted, or alternative therapies may be recommended.

By utilizing advanced technology and following guidelines from the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC), we can identify genetic variants and offer personalized medication recommendations. CPIC, in collaboration with PharmGKB, provides evidence-based guidelines across multiple therapeutic areas to help tailor treatments to everyone.