Walgreen postpones carrying Pathway Genomics genetic test kit

[cory777]

Source: LA Times

The chain's reversal comes after the FDA says it has no record of authorizing the product, which the maker says can be used to detect risks of getting such conditions as Alzheimer's or heart disease.

Walgreen Co. reversed a decision to carry genetic test kits in its stores after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration began looking into the supplier.

The drugstore chain, based in Deerfield, Ill., had planned to begin stocking its shelves Friday with the Pathway Genomics home test kit, which the manufacturer claimed could provide information on the risks of getting conditions such as Alzheimer's and heart disease, and also examine the likelihood of passing on health problems to children.

Walgreen's announcement Wednesday came shortly after the FDA released an enforcement letter sent to Pathway Genomics of San Diego, giving the company 15 days to respond to the agency's request for information regarding the product.

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-dna-kits-20100513,0,7943427.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fbusiness+%28L.A.+Times+-+Business%29