Mr. Ashesh Desai reports

MANULIFE LAUNCHES PERSONALIZED MEDICINE PROGRAM FOR ENHANCED HEALTH CARE MEMBERS TO IMPROVE HEALTH OUTCOMES

Manulife Financial Corp.'s personalized medicine program (known industry-wide as pharmacogenomics) will now be available for extended health care members with certain qualifying conditions at no additional cost. This simple, one-time genetic test, done via a saliva sample that takes less than a minute, helps predict how effective certain medications may be depending on an individual's genetic makeup. Based on the results, health care practitioners can then tailor treatment plans that are personalized and precise, reducing side effects and increasing the odds of successful patient outcomes.

"As a trained pharmacist, the potential that our personalized medicine program has to help improve quality of life for millions of Canadians is exciting and encouraging," says Ashesh Desai, head of group benefits, Manulife Canada. "As one of the first insurance providers in Canada to add this test to our suite of coverage options, we're underscoring our commitment to be a true health partner to our members."

Genetics plays a significant role in how people respond to drugs; by examining an individual's DNA, medical professionals can predict and anticipate how a patient may react (or not react) to certain medications and tailor a treatment plan that address the unique needs of each patient. Understanding the potential efficacy of a medication beforehand can help eliminate an often painful and drawn-out trial-and-error process while greatly improving patient outcomes and the overall health and well-being of Canadians. The test is covered for members and their dependants that have one of the following conditions: a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety; chronic pain; neurological conditions; and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

This personalized medicine program has been in a pilot stage with select Manulife group benefits members since 2021 and the results have been encouraging: 80 per cent of members changed their medications in consultation with their health care providers, and 86 per cent of members reported an improvement in their mental health.

"With pharmacogenomic testing, we can gain valuable insight into how people may break down and process certain medications. Testing may help identify some medications that should be avoided or prescribed at a different dose," says Dr. Steve Pomedli, Manulife's medical director of group benefits through Cleveland Clinic Canada. "Pharmacogenomic testing is one tool that may help narrow the number of medications to try for certain chronic conditions. Testing does not provide information regarding response to all medications that are currently prescribed, nor responses to dietary and herbal supplements. Once a member receives their test results, they should discuss the best next steps with their health care provider."

About Manulife Financial Corp.

Manulife Financial is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. With its global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, Manulife provides financial advice and insurance, operating as Manulife across Canada, Asia and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Through Manulife Investment Management, the global brand for the company's global wealth and asset management segment, Manulife serves individuals, institutions and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2022, the company had more than 40,000 employees, over 116,000 agents and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 34 million customers.

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