Phenomix Sciences (Phenomix), a precision medicine biotechnology company, has recently introduced a groundbreaking MyPhenomeTM test designed to identify and analyze three distinct obesity phenotypes in a single, convenient test. This innovative test, launched on April 3, 2024, marks a significant advancement in the field of precision medicine and offers individuals deeper insights into the underlying causes of their obesity.
The three phenotypes, Emotional Hunger, Hungry Gut, and Hungry Brain, are the result of a combination of genetic and biometric factors that contribute to obesity. Phenomix’s co-founders, Dr. Andres Acosta and Dr. Michael Camilleri, identified that patients can exhibit multiple phenotypes, with a primary phenotype and one or more underlying phenotypes. A recent study conducted in 2024 revealed a correlation between multiple phenotypes and higher body weight and body mass index, emphasizing the importance of tailored treatments based on an individual’s specific phenotype(s).
By undergoing the MyPhenome test, patients will receive a personalized report outlining their identified phenotype(s) and the contextual factors contributing to their obesity. Additionally, the MyPhenome portal provides patients with access to resources such as tailored meal plans and recipes that are aligned with their specific phenotype, empowering them to make informed dietary choices. Furthermore, healthcare providers can utilize the test results to develop precise and effective treatment plans, encompassing lifestyle and dietary interventions, as well as medication and procedural recommendations.
The three phenotypes covered in the MyPhenome test include:
- Emotional Hunger: This phenotype pertains to individuals who eat in response to emotional triggers and exhibit high levels of cravings, anxiety, and depression. Treatment options may involve cognitive therapy and medications such as Naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave) to address emotional eating and enhance self-awareness.
- Hungry Gut: Patients with abnormal satiety due to accelerated gastric emptying fall under this phenotype. Treatment strategies may include the ‘Hungry Gut Diet,’ medications like semaglutide (GLP-1s), and specific devices and bariatric surgeries.
- Hungry Brain: This phenotype encompasses patients with abnormal satiation, requiring more calories at each meal to achieve fullness. Tailored treatments may be recommended to address this specific requirement.
The launch of the MyPhenome test by Phenomix Sciences represents a significant leap forward in the personalized treatment of obesity, offering individuals a comprehensive understanding of their unique phenotypic profile and paving the way for tailored, effective interventions.
