New Pharmacogenetic Opportunities Offer Students Hands-On Experience

Minneapolis, Minn.

Feb. 17, 2021

The University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy and Kailos Genetics, a HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology resident company, have established a pharmacogenetic testing and internship program.

“This program enables our students to have hands-on experience with pharmacogenetic testing through knowledge of their own genes,” said Jacob Brown, assistant professor, University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy. “Pharmacogenomic industry internships such as this provide valuable opportunities for students to explore careers in the rapidly growing pharmacogenomic field. We work to open doors for our students and set them on a path to lead the profession.” said Pamala Jacobson, professor and director of the Institute of Personalized Medicine.

College of Pharmacy first year students will have the unique opportunity to obtain free comprehensive pharmacogenomic testing by Kailos Genetics’ InspexionTM. They will more deeply learn about pharmacogenomics by exploring their own genes coupled with extensive coursework in the pharmacy curriculum. They will also be able to apply for internships with Kailos Genetics focused on the utility of pharmacogenetics in the healthcare industry.

“Kailos is committed to the idea that education and technology, particularly in the field of genetics and pharmacy, can be leveraged to improve the health and outcome of all patients. We feel that this exciting partnership with the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy works towards that goal,” says Brian Pollock, chief executive officer for Kailos Genetics.

Pharmacogenetics is the study of how specific genetic variations affect the way an individual breaks down or responds to a medication. Understanding which genetic variations a person carries can help physicians better personalize healthcare.

About

Founded in 1892, the University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy is the only pharmacy school in Minnesota, with campuses in the Twin Cities and in Duluth. The College of Pharmacy improves health through innovative education, pioneering research and interdisciplinary practice development that attends to the diverse needs of the people of Minnesota and the world.

Founded in 2010 and located at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville, Alabama, Kailos Genetics is committed to providing innovative, trusted and affordable genetic sequencing solutions.