Walgreens Genetic ‘Spit Kit’ Debate

Rhonda Knapp

Waunakee High School

Biotech: Beyond the Basics June 2010

The ISSUE

• Pathway Genomics ,San Diego, has announced that beginning Friday, shoppers at most of Walgreens' 7,500 stores across the U.S. can buy an over-the-counter genetic test . The test would scan their genes for the possibility that they'll develop such conditions as Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, diabetes, risk of heart attack, or multiple sclerosis. And can also be used to predict whether their children will be blind or obese.

The QUESTION

• Should Walgreens be able to sell a DNA testing kit over-the-counter?– What are the benefits?– What are the controversies?

• You will be using the internet to research both sides of this issue.

Sites to get you started

• Genetic Testing Coming to a Walgreens near you.

• myFOX Health: Genetic Testing• FDA Cracks Down on DTC Genetic Testing also

look at related posts (Council For Responsible Genetics Blog)

• Walgreen to hold off selling genetic test kits (Jacksonville Journal Courier)

• FDA Puts the Brakes on Pathway-Walgreens Pairing; What’s Next for DTC?

• Letter to Pathway Genomics Corporation (FDA)

Questions to Inspire Debate

• Should Walgreens (and other drug stores) sell these over-the-counter genetic testing kits?

• Should the FDA have the power to regulate this?

• What impact will positive results have on the individuals?

• Should family history discovered be shared?