Tempus AI, the Chicago-based artificial intelligence healthcare company, has announced the nationwide rollout of its pharmacogenomics testing service across the United Kingdom. The tests, which analyse genetic markers to predict how individuals will metabolise specific drugs, are now accessible through both NHS trusts and private healthcare providers.
The technology focuses on commonly prescribed medications for conditions such as depression, anxiety, heart disease, and pain management. By identifying genetic variants that affect drug metabolism, clinicians can avoid prescribing medications that may be ineffective or cause harmful side effects. A spokesperson for Tempus AI said the launch follows successful pilot programmes in several NHS hospitals, where the tests helped reduce hospital readmissions linked to adverse drug reactions.
Dr. Helen Carstairs, a clinical pharmacologist at King's College London, commented: 'Pharmacogenomics has been described as the low-hanging fruit of precision medicine. For years we have known that genetic differences explain why some patients respond brilliantly to a drug while others suffer severe side effects. This rollout brings that knowledge directly into the clinic.'
The UK market for pharmacogenomics testing is expected to grow as the NHS increasingly adopts personalised medicine strategies. The Department of Health and Social Care has previously indicated support for genomic testing, though no specific funding arrangement for Tempus AI's service has been confirmed. Industry analysts note that the tests could reduce the estimated £500 million the NHS spends annually on managing adverse drug reactions and wasted prescriptions.
For UK investors, Tempus AI's expansion into the British market signals growing commercial confidence in AI-driven diagnostics. The company, which went public on the Nasdaq in 2024, has been valued at over $8 billion. Its UK launch may intensify competition among genomics firms, including Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies, both of which have significant operations in the country.