SureGene selects PGXL as laboratory provider for STA2R genetic panel

SureGene has chosen PGXL as laboratory provider for its proprietary STA²R genetic panel, which promises to revolutionize the treatment of schizophrenia.    

"The STA²R panel turns intuitive treatment into precision treatment," says Dr. Roland Valdes Jr., Chairman and President of PGXL. "It removes the trial and error from the medication of schizophrenia. It's a perfect application of personalized medicine entirely aligned with PGXL's vision."

The STA²R agreement marks the first collaboration between SureGene and PGXL, two companies that spun out of University of Louisville research labs. SureGene researchers discovered and patented the SULT4A1-1 genetic signature. PGXL Laboratories independently developed the STA²R panel and will perform the tests for healthcare providers around the United States. Both SureGene and PGXL are promoting the test, PGXL through its own distribution system and SureGene direct to psychiatric healthcare providers.

"PGXL has long been a leader and innovator in personalized medicine. When SureGene needed a lab partner, PGXL was the obvious choice. The synergies from both companies being located in Louisville was an added bonus," says Bill Massey, President of SureGene.

The panel analyzes five genes, including SureGene's patented SULT4A1, and uses the results of those tests to help identify the right treatment path for a patient based on available data. More than 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with schizophrenia every year. While most will eventually be successfully treated, about a third will never find the right balance of medications. The STA²R panel is designed to help guide psychiatrists to that balance quickly and confidently.

"Every time I meet with patients and caregivers, they share heart-wrenching stories of their journey to finding the right medicine," says Tim Ramsey, Vice President of SureGene and one of the inventors of STA²R. "With STA²R, SureGene and PGXL are giving doctors a powerful new tool to help their patients."