Pennacchio Bill to Expand Genetic Testing & Improve Patient Care Passes Senate
| Pennacchio Bill to Expand Genetic Testing & Improve Patient Care Passes Senate
SJR-115 Creates Pharmacogenomics Commission to Examine Benefits of Increasing Drug-Gene Testing in NJ The New Jersey State Senate has passed legislation sponsored Senator Joe Pennacchio that would create a commission to explore how expanding pharmacogenomics, also known as “drug-gene testing,” could lead to better care and health outcomes for patients in New Jersey. Pharmacogenomics is the study of how a person’s genetic makeup influences the effectiveness or toxicity of medications. Sen. Joe Pennacchio’s bill would create a commission to explore how expanding Pharmacogenomics, or drug-gene testing, could lead to better care and health outcomes for NJ patients. (Wikimedia Commons) “Genetic testing is already a common standard of care in cancer treatment, as genetic mutations play a role in 5 to 10 percent of all cancers. In fact, certain treatments can be tailored to match a specific mutation found in a patient’s tumor,” Senator Pennacchio (R-26) explained. “Medical professionals can also use genetic testing to treat and identify a wide variety of conditions – and prevent potentially dangerous adverse reactions or side effects to certain prescriptions.” “By establishing a commission to explore pharmacogenomics, New Jersey can discover new ways to use drug-gene testing to cure illnesses, prevent side effects, and create treatment plans that are unique to each patient,” Pennacchio added. As established by Sen. Pennacchio’s legislation, SJR-115, the New Jersey Pharmacogenomics Commission would be charged with examining the following issues:
The commission would consist of 10 members appointed by the Governor, including representatives from the State Departments of Health, Pension & Benefits, Treasury, and Military & Veterans Affairs; representatives from various New Jersey medical schools and medical associations; and a professor of genetics. The legislation also requires the commission to hold two public hearings; one in North Jersey and one in South Jersey, no later than six months after the commission is organized. “New Jersey used to be known as the pharmaceutical capital of America and we still have a number of top quality hospitals and academic research centers right here in our state,” Senator Pennacchio said. “We need to do more to encourage medical innovation in New Jersey – not just for the benefit of our economy, but for the benefit of the millions of people who live here and the many more who come here for quality care. There is no reason why the next big breakthrough can’t happen right in our own backyard.” Related Facebook Post: Related Tweet: |
