Myriad Genetics and Abbott Extend Collaboration

Myriad Genetics, Inc. and Abbott have announced that they have extended their strategic alliance in pharmacogenetics.

The research collaboration will focus on identifying human genetic variation around drug targets in various stages of development.

Abbott will fund the research under this collaboration and Myriad will use its high-throughput sequencing technologies and proprietary mutation screening software to analyze samples from various populations to identify genetic polymorphisms, or differences in the DNA between individuals.

The results of this collaboration may help Abbott's drug discovery programs to develop drugs that will be effective for the widest range of patients.

"We are pleased to once again extend our successful relationship with Abbott in pharmacogenetics, an area in which Myriad can apply its proprietary technologies," said Peter Meldrum, President and Chief Executive Officer of Myriad Genetics, Inc.

"There is significant potential through this collaboration to develop new personalized medicine products in areas of important and growing healthcare needs."

Brian Spear, Director of genomic and proteomic technologies at Abbott said, "Myriad's technology and expertise are valuable to Abbott's drug discovery and development efforts in areas of significant unmet medical need."