Anyone out there who tried Pathway’s genetic testing kit, the Pathway Genomics Insight Saliva Collection Kit, which supposedly helps people assess their risk for inherited diseases? Any review on the product? Is it good or bad, helpful or ridiculous, risky or safe, etc. etc.?
Anyhoo, the FDA isn’t impressed by the fact that the manufacturer is selling the test kit without the agency’s approval and so it sent the manufacturer a letter asking it to explain why it shouldn’t get its ass spanked.
Check out the letter below.
James Plante
Founder and CEO
Pathway Genomics Corporation
4045 Sorrento Valley Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92121
Dear Mr. Plante:
It has come to our attention that you are currently marketing the Pathway Genomics Genetic Health Report, a home-use saliva collection kit, intended to report customary and personal genetic health disposition results for more than 70 health conditions, including pharmacogenetics (prescription medication response), propensity for complex disease, and carrier status (pre-pregnancy health) information from which one can modify their health regime to live a healthier, longer life. The Genetic Health Report appears to meet the definition of a device as that term is defined in section 201(h) of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act.
We have conducted a review of our files, and have been unable to identify any Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance or approval number for the Genetic Health Report. We request that you provide us with the FDA clearance or approval number for the Genetic Health Report. If you do not believe that you are required to obtain FDA clearance or approval for the Genetic Health Report, please provide us with the basis for that determination.
The requested information should be submitted to:
James L. Woods
Deputy Director, Patient Safety and Product Quality
Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Device Evaluation and Safety
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
White Oak 66
Silver Spring, MD 20993
We would appreciate a response within 15 days from the date of this letter. If you have any questions relating to this matter, please feel free to call Cecily Jones at 301-796-6172, or access our web site at http://www.fda.gov2 for general information relating to FDA’s device requirements.
Sincerely yours,
James Woods
Deputy Director
Patient Safety and Product Quality
Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Device Evaluation and Safety
Center for Devices and Radiological Health