Quest Diagnostics launches pharmacogenomic test to improve drug therapy

SECAUCUS, N.J. - Quest Diagnostics (NYSE:DGX), a $20.2 billion healthcare diagnostics leader currently trading near its 52-week high at $179.88, announced Thursday the launch of a new pharmacogenomic (PGx) laboratory test service designed to help healthcare providers understand patients’ genetic responses to medications. According to InvestingPro analysis, Quest maintains a strong financial health score of GOOD, reflecting its robust position in the Healthcare Providers & Services sector.

The service aims to assist clinicians in selecting appropriate medications and dosages across multiple specialties including psychiatry, neurology, cardiology, oncology, rheumatology, pain management, and transplant care.

The PGx offering analyzes 17 genes and 4 HLA alleles that have recognized evidence of gene-drug associations with defined medical utility. These genetic markers are supported by expert groups including the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium and the Food and Drug Administration.

"Healthcare providers recognize the crucial, yet often complex, role that genetics can play in drug response," said Steven Keiles, General Manager US Specialty Genetics and Genomics Services at Quest Diagnostics, in a press release statement.

The service includes a Quest-delivered report with genotype and predicted phenotypic response, alongside medication guidance via a personalized report powered by Coriell Life Sciences (now InformedDNA). Clinicians will have access to GeneDose LIVE, a clinical decision support tool that evaluates a patient’s therapeutic regimen for genetic and non-genetic risks.

Patients can access testing with a doctor’s requisition at Quest’s 2,000 patient service centers across the United States or through at-home collection services.

According to research cited in the company’s announcement, variations in drug-metabolizing enzymes can influence how patients respond to medications, potentially leading to treatment failure or adverse drug interactions, which the company states is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. With annual revenues of $10.5 billion and a healthy gross profit margin of 33%, Quest Diagnostics continues to demonstrate strong market performance. For deeper insights into Quest’s financial metrics and growth potential, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro, which offers detailed analysis of this healthcare leader among 1,400+ top US stocks.

Quest Diagnostics serves approximately one-third of adult Americans and half of U.S. physicians and hospitals annually. The company’s strong market position is reflected in its consistent financial performance, with a return on equity of 14% and stable dividend payments maintained for 22 consecutive years.

In other recent news, Quest Diagnostics reported better-than-expected financial results for the second quarter of 2025. The company achieved adjusted earnings per share of $2.62, surpassing the forecasted $2.57, and exceeded revenue expectations by posting $2.76 billion against an anticipated $2.73 billion. Additionally, Quest Diagnostics has entered into a joint venture with Corewell Health to expand laboratory services in Michigan, establishing the Diagnostic Lab of Michigan, LLC. This new facility will feature advanced technologies such as automated microbiology and high-throughput molecular testing.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted Breakthrough Device Designation to Quest Diagnostics’ Haystack MRD test for identifying minimal residual disease in stage II colorectal cancer patients. In a separate development, Baird downgraded Quest Diagnostics from Outperform to Neutral, citing a balanced risk/reward profile and insufficient upside potential. Furthermore, Quest Diagnostics’ subsidiary, Haystack Oncology, announced a research collaboration with Mass General Brigham to study the use of liquid biopsy technology in cancer treatment. The collaboration will focus on clinical trials for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and HPV-independent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

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