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| |  BRACAnalysis Genetic Susceptibility Test for Breast and Ovarian Cancers SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 26, 1996 -- Myriad Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: MYGN) will soon introduce the first comprehensive full-sequence test for mutations in both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, key indicators of susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer, the company announced today. The test, tradenamed BRACAnalysis(TM), will be the first fully-integrated and comprehensive genetic susceptibility analysis for all known and unknown mutations in both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These two genes are believed to be responsible for approximately 90 percent of early onset hereditary breast cancer and 90 percent of hereditary ovarian cancer. Myriad CEO, Peter Meldrum, made the announcement at the Cowen and Co. Biotechnology Conference in San Francisco. Mr. Meldrum stated, "Excellent data from the beta-site testing for BRCA1 and rapid progress in BRCA2 analysis have enabled Myriad to combine the sequencing of both genes and to accelerate the launch of an integrated test." Myriad had previously planned to introduce genetic tests for the BRCA1 gene in the second half of 1996 and for the BRCA2 gene in the second half of 1997. "The accelerated schedule of our BRACAnalysis launch conforms to Myriad's commitment to both scientific accuracy and the needs of the patient," said Mr. Meldrum. "We are confident that the combined test is appropriately robust for use in the clinical setting, would be available in quantities sufficient to meet anticipated demand, and would produce reliable and reproducible results. It will be the most comprehensive and reliable genetic predisposition analysis available for breast and ovarian cancer. Since we expect that it will be of significant value in the early detection, surveillance, prevention and treatment of breast and ovarian cancer, we are indeed pleased to be introducing it sooner than we had anticipated." The test is based on Myriad's discovery of the BRCA1 gene in 1994 and its discovery of the full sequence of the BRCA2 gene in 1995. BRACAnalysis will be offered through physicians to individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer at an early age, have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer, or are a relative of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carrier. All recipients of the test will receive education materials and will sign informed consent forms. The company will keep all results strictly confidential. The two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, code for proteins with novel tumor suppressor functions. Defects or mutations in these two genes greatly increase the risk of cancer. A mutation in either BRCA1 or BRCA2 confers an 85 percent chance of developing breast cancer by age 70 and a mutation in BRCA1 confers a 44 percent risk of developing ovarian cancer. In contrast, women in the general population in the United States have a 10 percent risk of developing breast cancer and a one percent chance of developing ovarian cancer by age 70. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are also associated with the occurrence of breast cancer at an earlier average age than in the general population (45 years of age, as compared to 64 years of age). Myriad Genetics, Inc., based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a gene discovery and genetic testing company focused on the discovery and commercialization of genes involved in major common disorders, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and central nervous system disorders. Myriad's objective is to commercialize products and services based on a large portfolio of disease- related genes discovered and patented by the Company. Myriad is currently establishing a genetic testing and information business to identify individuals who have inherited gene mutations which increase their risk for specific illnesses. The Company is involved in strategic alliances with Ciba-Geigy Corp., Bayer Corp., and Eli Lilly and Co. The discussion in this news release includes forward-looking statements based on management's current expectations. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from such expectations include: intense competition related to the discovery of disease-related genes; difficulties inherent in developing genetic tests once genes have been discovered; the Company's limited marketing and sales experience and the risk that any test which the Company develops may not be able to be marketed at acceptable prices or receive commercial acceptance in the markets that the Company expects to target; uncertainty as to whether there will exist adequate reimbursement for the Company's services from government, private healthcare insurers and third-party payors; and uncertainties as to the extent of future government regulation of the Company's business.
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