GeneDrive shares rose on the advice of the UK Health Service draft.

By Joe Hope

Genedrive shares rose on Friday after the UK Health Service recommended in draft guidance that genetic testing of an enzyme should be done before the use of anticoagulants in the management of ischemic stroke.
The stock was up 3.25 pence, or 16 percent, at 23.75 cents by 0726 GMT.

According to the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence, or NEC, genetic testing methods for the enzyme CYP2C19 can save costs and increase life expectancy, according to a molecular-diagnostics company.  Screening patients to assess resistance to the anticoagulant drug clopidogrel could lead to alternative treatments and better clinical outcomes, he said.
Genedrive is developing a CYP2C19 ID test.  NICE included the test’s predicted performance and cost in its clinical and economic models, and the point-of-care test was likely to be more cost-effective in all cases compared to a laboratory or other point-of-care tests.  .
Until final performance data from the GeneDrive trial is available, no official recommendation for clinical use can be made by NICE, although the company expects to make a final report in October.
“This is the second time we have had the opportunity to work with NICE on recommendations for pharmacogenetic testing and I am delighted that they are supporting our strategy for online and point-of-care pharmacogenomics for emergency care,” said CEO David.  Bud said.
Write to Joe Hoppe at joseph.hoppe@wsj.com