NEW DELHI: Pune-based Acton Biotech on Thursday launched a genetic test that would help in accurate and efficient determination of dosage for blood thinning drug warfarin, used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in veins, arteries and lungs.
"This test was approved by USFDA in 2007 and was not available in India so far. Through detection of these genetic markers, doctors are better able to accurately and efficiently determine the appropriate warfarin dosage level and avoid over dosing and under dosing complications," the company said in a statement.
Standard recommended dose of warfarin is five mg per day. Some patients cannot tolerate this dose and suffer from severe internal bleeding that can be life threatening. The test will cost Rs 5,000 only.
Warfarin is used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in veins, arteries and lungs. In India, two million people take warfarin every year to prevent blood clots, heart attacks and stroke.
