Whiddon is partnering in an Australian-first clinical trial with the University of Sydney, myDNA, Choice Aged Care and Arrotex Pharmaceuticals, to see how Pharmacogenomics (PGx) can specifically support medication decisions within residential aged care environments.
The “one-size-fits-all” approach to medicine is changing.
For many older Australians, managing health means managing multiple medications every day. While essential, this complexity can increase the risk of side effects and avoidable hospital visits. Currently:
At Whiddon, we believe medication safety is one of the most critical challenges in aged care, and we are committed to finding a better way.
Every person’s body is different, and those differences extend to how we process medicine. Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is the study of how your genes affect your response to drugs.
Research suggests up to 96 per cent of individuals in Australia have at least one actionable pharmacogenomic variation, with many residing in the genes responsible for metabolising commonly prescribed medicationsiv.
By looking at an individual’s genetic makeup, clinicians can gain insights into which medications may be most effective and which might cause adverse reactions. This technology doesn’t replace a doctor’s expertise; it provides them with a powerful new tool to support their clinical judgement.
Whiddon is currently leading a clinical trial alongside our partners the University of Sydney, myDNA, Choice Aged Care and Arrotex Pharmaceuticals, to see how Pharmacogenomics (PGx) can specifically support medication decisions within residential aged care environments.
A two-year, multi-site Pharmacogenomics (PGx) research study is currently active across four Whiddon Homes in NSW encompassing 200 aged care residents.
Our PGx research is:
Our research is ongoing, conducted with full ethical oversight, and its findings will eventually be subject to peer-reviewed publication.
The trial follows a streamlined, non-invasive process designed to integrate seamlessly into the resident’s existing care routine.
Step 1 – Simple Collection: A quick, non-invasive cheek swab is taken from the participating resident.
Step 2 – Genetic Analysis: The sample is analysed by our research partners to identify specific genetic markers related to medication metabolism.
Step 3 – Insight Reporting: A personalised PGx report is generated, highlighting how the resident may respond to common medications.
Step 4 – Clinical Review: Whiddon clinicians and GPs review the report to determine if any adjustments to current medications could improve safety or comfort.
This trial reflects Whiddon’s unwavering commitment to providing world-class innovation in care
While outcomes are currently being evaluated, we are exploring how this technology may:
Reducing the "trial and error" often associated with new prescriptions.
Identifying potential adverse reactions before they happen.
Ensuring every resident receives a care plan as unique as their DNA.
Helping residents feel their best by optimising their medication regimes.
We aren’t doing this alone. Whiddon is working alongside Australia’s leading researchers and healthcare innovators.
By combining the academic rigor of the University of Sydney with the technical expertise of myDNA, Choice Aged Care, and Arrotex Pharmaceuticals, we are proudly exploring a new standard for medication decisions in aged care.
The University of Sydney is also sponsor of the study.
Explore our latest blog posts and media releases to track the progress of the trial and learn more about the future of aged care innovation.
This trial is exploring how pharmacogenomics (PGx), the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs, can be used to improve medication safety for older Australians. We are looking at whether genetic testing can help clinicians choose the right dose and the right medicine for each individual resident, reducing the “trial and error” often associated with prescribing.
Medication safety is one of the most significant challenges in aged care. With many residents taking multiple medications, the risk of side effects and hospitalisation is high. Whiddon is committed to innovation that directly improves quality of life. We believe that by understanding a resident’s genetic makeup, we can provide a higher, more personalised standard of care.
Yes. While PGx is used in other areas of medicine (like oncology), this is an Australian-first clinical trial specifically designed to evaluate its benefits within a residential aged care setting.
Pharmacogenomics is a field of research that looks at how your DNA impacts the way your body processes medication. Just as your genes determine your eye colour, they also determine how your body will respond to certain drugs. PGx testing provides a “blueprint” that helps predict which medications will work best for you.
As we age, our bodies change in how they absorb and clear medication. However, genetics also play a massive role. Some people are “rapid metabolisers” (meaning the drug leaves the body too quickly to work), while others are “poor metabolisers” (meaning the drug builds up and causes side effects). This trial helps us understand these differences at a cellular level.
By providing a clearer picture of a resident’s unique biology, PGx can help reduce adverse drug reactions, decrease the number of unnecessary medications (deprescribing), and ensure that treatments are as effective as possible from day one.
Not at all. PGx is an additional tool to support clinical decision-making. Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists will always use their professional expertise, considering a resident’s full medical history and current health status. This unique genetic report has the potential to revolutionise the clinicians’ understanding of how specific medications will affect each of their individual patients.
Clinical trials are thorough and take time to ensure the highest levels of accuracy. The research is currently ongoing. Once completed, the findings will undergo a rigorous peer-review process before being published and shared with the wider healthcare community.
The goal of this research is to build the “evidence base” needed to show how PGx can improve resident outcomes. If the trial is successful, it could pave the way for personalised medication management to become a standard part of aged care across Australia in the future.
