SSQ Insurance partners with BiogeniQ to improve the treatment and well-being of its insured members suffering from depression Français
QUEBEC CITY, June 5, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - SSQ Insurance is pleased to announce its partnership with BiogeniQ in a move to offer group insurance customers an innovative solution to treat depression. BiogeniQ is a company specializing in the field of pharmacogenomics that combines the science of genetics with pharmacology.
Treatment of depression often requires a patient to try several treatment strategies before the right drug or approach is clearly identified. Aware of this fact, SSQ Insurance will be offering the services of BiogeniQ to some of its insured members who are on disability as a result of depression. Insureds who agree to participate in the process will receive a genetic test kit from BiogeniQ to collect a small sample of saliva for analysis.
SSQ Insurance will not receive any results of the test conducted and analyzed by BiogeniQ. With the consent of the insured, BiogeniQ will send each test result directly to the attending physician, who will be able to use this additional information to help identify the appropriate treatment approach and forego the less effective ones. The purpose of the test is to reduce the risk of side effects and improve overall treatment effectiveness.
"This agreement with BiogeniQ reflects our commitment to providing our insured members with innovative solutions that promote health and well-being, and once again demonstrates SSQ Insurance's leadership in this area. Thanks to our agreement with BiogeniQ, SSQ Insurance customers will be able to consider a treatment that is better suited to their situation and possibly a faster return to a fully active life. By the same token, this practice could ultimately help control the cost of group insurance plans for policyholders," said Éric Trudel, Senior Vice-President of Strategy and Product Management at SSQ Insurance.
"Studies show that personalized treatment based on pharmacogenomic analyses serves to shorten the duration of disability due to depression and increase the chances of remission. We are enthusiastic about our partnership with SSQ Insurance to make this avant-garde service accessible and make a difference in the lives of many insureds," said BiogeniQ founder Étienne Crevier.
BiogeniQ services will be offered by SSQ Insurance to some of its insured members and possibly extend the offer to the rest of its clientele thereafter. SSQ Insurance will also evaluate the possible use of pharmacogenomics in the treatment of other diseases.
About SSQ Insurance
Founded in 1944, SSQ Insurance is a mutualist company that puts community at the heart of insurance. With assets under management of $12 billion, SSQ Insurance is one of the largest companies in the industry. Working for a community of over three million customers, SSQ Insurance employs 2,000 people. Leader in group insurance, the company also sets itself apart through its expertise in individual life and health insurance, general insurance and the investment sector. For more information, please visit ssq.ca.
About BiogeniQ
BiogeniQ helps people take control of their health by offering simple, appropriate and relevant recommendations based on their DNA. Through collaboration with healthcare professionals, genetic testing is delivered in a responsible and ethical manner. Since its foundation in 2013, BiogeniQ has won numerous awards in the area of health and new technologies, including the life sciences innovation award from the Association pour le développement de la recherche et de l'innovation du Québec (ADRIQ), as well as the award for most innovative young company in Quebec. Since 2018, BiogeniQ has been a division of Biron Groupe Santé. For more information, please go to biogeniq.ca.
SOURCE SSQ Insurance
Danielle Rioux, SSQ Insurance, 1-866-332-3806, [email protected]; Geneviève Couture, Biron Groupe Santé, 514-866-5005, ext. 0, [email protected]
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