- Mikel Arteta, who underwent open-heart surgery for a rare condition aged two, has completed Bupa’s whole genome sequencing test to understand any future health risks
- Identified was an increased genetic risk of coeliac disease and his body’s genetic response to over 100 medications
- This science underpins Bupa’s Medication Check service and genomics-led Prevention Pathways for breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, on course to support over 200,000 people by 2027
Having undergone life-saving open-heart surgery aged two, former professional footballer turned manager Mikel Arteta experienced from an early age how a serious health condition and specialist care can change the course of someone’s life.
Born with a serious heart condition, the now 44-year-old underwent an operation among the first of its kind in Spain. His family weren’t certain of the outcome, while doctors warned his condition could limit his future physical activity.
Over 400 professional football appearances later, Arteta, now a husband, father of three and one of the world’s most renowned football coaches, draws on the experience of his early health condition to walk towards identifying health issues early and taking action for long-term wellness.
“My childhood experience showed me how important it can be to understand a health issue early and have the right care,” said Mikel Arteta. “It changed the course of my life and gave me the opportunity to go on and achieve things that may otherwise not have been possible.”
This principle underpins Bupa’s genomic health offering, the first of its kind in the UK. As a first for private medical insurance, Bupa has introduced genomics-led Prevention Pathways for breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, helping people uncover their inherited risk of serious disease based on their DNA, and, where clinically appropriate, access specialist care, preventive treatment or potentially lifesaving surgery before illness develops.
On course to support more than 200,000 people by the end of 2027, the pathways mark a fundamental shift from reactive treatment when symptoms surface to proactive prevention, combining personalised genetic risk insights with clinical expertise to enable earlier intervention. The shift offers the gift of time: time to make considered decisions on treatment pathways and greater control over long-term health.
Dr Rebecca Rohrer, Clinical Innovation and Genomics Director at Bupa, said: “Mikel’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference it can make to understand health risks early. While we can’t change our genetics, having foreknowledge of any inherited risks can help people make more informed decisions about their health, access the right support and take action before reaching crisis point.”
This science underpins Bupa’s Medication Check service, which uses a simple cheek swab test to help people understand how they may respond to certain medications based on their genetics. Available to both Bupa and non-Bupa customers, more than 40,000 people have already received a list of medications that won’t be effective for them, or could cause side effects.
Arteta completed Bupa’s whole genome sequencing test to understand how his own genetics may influence his health, including his inherited risk of certain conditions and how his body may respond to different medications.
Assessing inherited risk across more than 36 conditions, including 10 cancers, the test identified genetic variants associated with an increased risk of coeliac disease. Already attentive to his diet and lifestyle, Arteta said the findings will inform decisions about what he eats and encourage conversations about healthy eating with his family, particularly around gluten and dairy.
The test also identified genetic variants that may influence how Arteta responds to certain medications. If treatment is needed in future, doctors can use this information to help select a medicine or dose suited to his individual genetic profile. Findings from Bupa’s whole genome sequencing programme show that nearly 100% of participants carry variants that could influence their response to certain medications.
Arteta added: “I really believe it’s important to be on the front foot and proactive about health. A big part of that, for me, is understanding what may come in the future rather than simply waiting for something to happen, so this process has been really rewarding. Of course, if the results had shown something more serious, I would have been able to adapt accordingly. Equally, the fact that they didn’t has provided significant reassurance.”
Dr Rohrer concluded: “Through whole genome sequencing, Medication Check and our Prevention Pathways, we’re helping people move from reacting to illness to proactively managing their health. By identifying risks earlier and tailoring care to the individual, we give people more time, more options and greater control over their long-term future.”
Notes to editors
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Bupa’s genomic capabilities
- Whole genome sequencing: Bupa’s most comprehensive genomic test, providing a broad range of insights from across an individual’s genome. These can include inherited risks for certain conditions, polygenic risk for common diseases and information about how an individual may respond to certain medicines.
- Pharmacogenomic testing: Focused specifically on how an individual’s genetic profile may affect their response to certain medicines. This is also available as a standalone service in some markets.
- Genomics-led Prevention Pathways: Using genetic risk information alongside other health information to identify people who may be at increased risk of certain diseases and connect them with personalised screening, prevention and care.
About Bupa’s genomics programmes
Bupa is investing around £40 million in its global genomics programmes as part of its ambition to support more preventative, personalised and proactive healthcare.
Findings from Bupa’s whole genome sequencing programme include:
- 77% of participants have an elevated polygenic risk for at least one common condition, such as diabetes or hypertension.
- 5% carry high-risk monogenic variants associated with serious conditions, including inherited cancers and cardiovascular disease.
- Nearly 100% carry genetic variants that could influence how they respond to certain medicines.
- 28% have genetic variants that may affect their response to commonly prescribed antidepressant and anti-anxiety medicines.
