Myriad Genetics Acquires Exclusive Rights to RAD51C Cancer Gene

Myriad Genetics, Inc. announced it has obtained an exclusive license to intellectual property covering the analysis of the RAD51C gene for risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. In several studies, mutations in the RAD51C gene have been identified and associated with an increased risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

"As part of our strategy, we are committed to investing in the development of new transformative tests to improve the quality of patients' lives," said Mark Capone, President of Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Inc. "This intellectual property will enhance our ability to provide patients and health care providers important information on a patient's predisposition to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer."

RAD51C was identified initially as a susceptibility gene for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer by members of the German Consortium for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian cancers in collaboration with pediatric hematologists and basic scientists predominantly located at the universities of Cologne, Dusseldorf and Munich. As reported in the April 22, 2010 issue of Nature Genetics, mutations in the RAD51C gene were found exclusively within 480 pedigrees with a family history of breast and ovarian cancers, but not in 2,912 healthy individuals. Six pathogenic germ-line mutations within the 480 pedigrees resulted in a mutation prevalence rate of 1.3% in this study population. These findings were confirmed by a study published in the May 22, 2011 issue of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. This study analyzed the status of the RAD51C gene in Finnish and Swedish families with a history of breast and ovarian cancer and found a mutation prevalence rate of 2.9%.

Through this agreement, Myriad has obtained an exclusive, world-wide license, with co-exclusivity in Germany, to provide commercial testing for RAD51C.