Genes and Marketing

Genes and Marketing section

Most genetic tests are currently only available through specialist genetic testing services in the NHS, where they are mainly used to diagnose genetic disorders or identify people whose children might inherit such disorders. However, a number of companies are already looking at ways of expanding the market for genetic tests by selling them on the internet, in high street stores, through private GPs or via alternative healthcare providers.

 

Scientists from the Netherlands and from the US National Office of Public Health Genomics have published an investigation of seven companies highlighted by GeneWatch as selling misleading gene tests. They concluded that "There is insufficient scientific evidence to conclude that genomic profiles are useful in measuring genetic risk for common diseases or in developing personalized diet and lifestyle recommendations for disease prevention".

UK scientists and medics have also warned about the lack of regulation of tests which try to predict the risk of disease in healthy people, including genetic susceptibility tests. A report by Sense about Science has warned that "There is a growing business selling new genetic tests based on very preliminary research - the evidence is far too flimsy to be accepted by evidence-based medical practice".

Genetic testing services require customers to provide a sample of their DNA (usually using a simple mouth swab) which is then sent to a laboratory. The laboratory will look for rare mutations or common variations in the person's genetic make-up. Customers may then receive any or all of the following:

  • predictions about their, or their children's, risk of future illness;
  • health advice about their lifestyle or which vitamin supplements or medicines to take;
  • products that are claimed to be tailored to their individual genetic make-up.

Genetic tests are not regulated there is no independent assessment of the claims made by commercial companies. This means that people could easily be misled about their health. Read about the problems here.

Please note that information about specific companies may change after the publication date. For example, the US company Great Smokies Diagnostics Laboratory (GSDL) has changed its name to Genova Diagnostics. The UK company Health Interlink has asked us to point out that it severed its ties with GSDL over three years ago, shortly after its tests were launched.

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