SAFEGUARD YOUR
PATIENTS FROM
DEADLY DRUG ALLERGIES.
Join Over Cases Protected,
Prevent Life-Threatening Drug Reactions
with HELIX Star HLA-B* Testing.
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One Prescription Could Trigger a Life-Threatening Reaction.
15%
carry HLA-B*
variants
One Prescription Could Trigger a Life-Threatening Reaction.
9.7 million Thais
carry HLA-B* variants
Up to 15% of Thailand's population — around 9.7 million people — carry HLA-B* variants strongly associated with severe adverse reactions to commonly prescribed drugs such as allopurinol, carbamazepine, dapsone, and co-trimoxazole.
Up to 30% Mortality Rates
from Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs)
Up to 30% Mortality Rates from Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs) Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs) — such as SJS, TEN, and DRESS — can result in ICU admissions, permanent organ damage, and mortality rates up to 30%. In most cases, drug allergies are discovered only after a severe reaction has already occurred. This reactive approach puts patients at unnecessary risk — when proactive genetic screening could have prevented the harm altogether.
Often Remain Hidden
These drug-sensitive genes often remain hidden until it's too late.
Pharmacogenetic testing is critical — helping uncover these risks before treatment begins, reducing the chances of life-threatening reactions and easing the long-term burden on patients and the healthcare system alike.
HELIX Star
HLA-B* Testing
Revolutionary long-read sequencing platform that surpasses the limitations of older methods.
Helix Star is a genomics and bioinformatics service developed under Cariva (Thailand), utilizing Long Read Sequencing by Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) to deliver comprehensive genomics testing such as HLA-B Typing for drug allergy - more coverage for clinical use.
This one-time test provides lifetime insight, helping providers predict drug hypersensitivity and personalize treatment with confidence.
Project led by
Dr. Thidathip Wongsurawat, clinical genomics pioneer.
Our Key Partner
NHealth, trusted partner in healthcare diagnostics.
What Is Long-Read Sequencing?
An advanced DNA sequencing technology that reads much longer segments of genetic material in a single pass, unlike traditional short-read methods that break DNA into tiny fragments. While short-read sequencing typically analyzes 100–300 base pairs at a time, long-read sequencing can capture thousands to millions of base pairs continuously. This enables a more complete, accurate, and efficient view of complex genetic regions — especially the highly variable HLA-B* gene.
Why It Matters?
- Greater Accuracy: Detects more HLA-B* allele variants with fewer gaps or errors
- Comprehensive Testing: Covers complex or rare structures missed by short-read methods
- One-Time Insight: Delivers a full genetic profile in a single test
- Better for Diverse Populations: Optimized for genetic variability — especially in Southeast Asia
Lifelong Genetic Insight.
One Simple Test.
No More Missed Risks
HELIX Star's comprehensive panel screens for multiple HLA-B* alleles simultaneously, helping you avoid a critical blind spot in traditional testing.
Don't risk missing a positive result just because another came back negative — for example, a patient who tests negative for B*58:01 (allopurinol risk) might still carry B*15:02 (carbamazepine risk). HELIX Star detects them all — in a single test.
What We Can Offer…
HLA-B*
58:01
(Variant)
HLA-B*
15:02
(Variant)
Extensive, Clinically Actionable Coverage
One test screens for over 14 critical HLA-B alleles (encompassing 1000+ detectable variants) linked to severe reactions from at least 15 crucial drug classes, with findings readily linkable to established clinical evidence databases like PharmGKB. The test covers key risks prevalent in SEA populations (e.g., B*15:02, B*57:01, B*58:01, B*13:01) and beyond.
Unambiguous Allele Phasing via Long Reads
The inherent nature of long-read sequencing resolves which genetic variants belong to which parental chromosome (phasing), eliminating ambiguities in the complex HLA-B gene.
Superior Resolution & Accuracy
Provides high-resolution typing for precise allele identification, backed by advanced bioinformatics for high consensus accuracy.
Detection of Complex & Novel Variations
Long reads excel at identifying large structural variations or potentially novel alleles within the HLA-B region. Rapid Turn around Time: Results become available in as little as 1-2 days for urgent cases
Alert system at key partners' hospitals
Automated alert system at key partner hospitals, enabling clinicians to receive real-time notifications when high-risk HLA-B* variants are detected
What We Cover…
Anticonvulsants (Anti-epileptic drugs)
- Carbamazepine
- Oxcarbazepine
- Phenytoin
- Fosphenytoin
- Lamotrigine
- Phenobarbital
Antibiotics (Antibacterials)
- Co-trimoxazole (Also known as Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, a combination antibiotic)
- Dapsone (While also having antibiotic properties, it is notably used in the treatment of leprosy)
- Flucloxacillin
Uric Acid Lowering Agents
- Allopurinol
Antivirals
- Abacavir (A nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used in the treatment of HIV)
- Nevirapine (A non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor also used in the treatment of HIV)
Hyperthyroidism
- Carbimazole
- Methimazole
- Propylthiouracil
*Result reporting may vary depending on the healthcare facility.
How We Deliver
For Prescribing Doctors
Make your health center an even safer place for your patients, extending beyond treatment.
Protect Your Patients
Prevent potentially fatal SJS/TEN/DRESS reactions. Fulfill your primary duty of care.
Prescribe with Confidence
Eliminate guesswork for high-risk drugs. Make informed, personalized decisions based on genetic evidence.
Reduce Liability
Mitigate risks associated with prescribing drugs known to cause HLA-mediated SCARS.
Enhance Patient Trust
Offer proactive, modern care that addresses patient concerns about drug allergies.
Lifetime Value
Provide patients with genetic information that protects them throughout their lives.
For Laboratory Centers
Elevate the standard of care by embracing proactive genomics for better patient safety and eventually, lasting trust.
Offer Leading Technology
Implement validated Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing via HELIX Star, positioning your lab at the forefront of precision medicine.
Differentiate Your Services
Provide an in-depth, high-value pharmacogenomic test with clear clinical utility, setting you apart from labs offering only basic testing.
Meet Growing Demand
Capitalize on the expanding market for genetic testing and pharmacogenomics (in Thailand and SEA). Demand for HLA PGx testing is already increasing significantly (e.g., >30x increase at Ramathibodi 2011-2020).
Strengthen Clinical Partnerships
Offer a vital tool that directly supports physicians in improving patient safety and outcomes.
Trusted Partnership
Partner directly with HELIX Star to gain access to our clinically validated testing methodology, advanced bioinformatics, and expert insights specifically tailored to address regional genetic risks.
Success Story
Cases Protected
Prevent Life-Threatening Drug Reactions with HELIX Star HLA-B* Testing.
Move beyond reactive measures. Leverage the power of Oxford Nanopore sequencing for comprehensive, one-time pharmacogenomic insights for diverse populations.
People Behind Success
Thidathip Wongsurawat
Head of Helix Star Project
Piroon Jenjaroenpun
Head of bioinformatics, Helix Star Project
Jiramet Kinchagawat
AI Engineer / Bioinformatician Helix Star Project
Inthuorn Ratchatasetthakul
Medical & Scientific Project Specialist
FAQs
For Individual
Take control of your health.
Book your genetic test today with NHealth.
Join the Precision Medicine Revolution.
Contact us today to learn how your laboratory can implement this life-saving technology or how your clinical practice can benefit from comprehensive HLA-B testing.
contact@cariva.co.th