Medicine · JavaScript / Cloudflare
GeneMachine
Better questions about genes and medicines.
A privacy-minded tool that surfaces gene–medicine evidence from CPIC guidelines and FDA labeling so patients can prepare clearer questions for their care team. An optional consumer DNA file check stays on the device.
- Free
- Open source
- Web
Why I built it
Gene–medicine evidence is scattered and easy to over-read. As a biology student who wants to practice medicine, I care about getting that part right. GeneMachine surfaces established gene–medicine evidence from CPIC guidelines and FDA labeling so patients can prepare clearer questions for their care team, and it can check a consumer DNA file without the file leaving the device.
Built to be careful
The medicine library works without a DNA file, an account or a paid kit. Each topic cites its CPIC guideline and summarizes what FDA labeling says, without dose numbers. The library is never matched to your DNA or presented as your prescription.
The optional DNA check runs in a local Web Worker that is shut down after analysis. It reports file quality and one narrow finding only when the genome build, strand, coordinate and alleles all agree. A missing marker stays unknown instead of being guessed.
Why it matters to me
Pharmacogenetics is one of the questions I want to pursue in medicine: how genetics can help doctors choose medications and understand the risk of side effects. GeneMachine is a small, honest step in that direction, and it is clear about what it cannot do.
Learn the evidence, then ask better questions
- Nine source-linked topics, each a CPIC Level A gene–drug pair, from statins and clopidogrel to warfarin.
- Search by medicine, brand name, gene or category.
- An editable five-question appointment worksheet you can copy or print, for any medicine.
- A local check of a 23andMe or AncestryDNA export with one carefully gated SLCO1B1 observation.
- No account, no analytics and no external API. Raw DNA never leaves the browser.
Limits. Educational only. It is not a clinical test, does not predict how you will respond to a medicine, and is not a basis for changing a dose.
Open GeneMachine
Full setup, configuration and troubleshooting are in the GeneMachine documentation.
Found a bug or want something added? Report a bug or request a feature on GitHub. No GitHub account? Email me.
GeneMachine questions
What is GeneMachine?
A privacy-minded tool that surfaces gene–medicine evidence from CPIC guidelines and FDA labeling so patients can prepare clearer questions for their care team. An optional consumer DNA file check stays on the device.
Is GeneMachine free?
Yes. GeneMachine costs nothing, and its source code is on GitHub under the Apache-2.0 license.
Do I need to install anything?
No. Open GeneMachine in a current browser. There is nothing to install and no account. You can also run your own copy with Node.js 22 or later.
Does GeneMachine upload my DNA file?
No. The optional DNA check runs in a Web Worker in your browser that ends after analysis, and the raw file never leaves your device. The app uses no analytics, accounts, browser storage or external API.
Can GeneMachine tell me which dose to take?
No. It is educational. It is not a clinical test, it does not predict how you will respond to a medicine, and it gives no dose numbers. Take its questions to your care team.
Does GeneMachine have limits?
Educational only. It is not a clinical test, does not predict how you will respond to a medicine, and is not a basis for changing a dose.
Documentation
