Myriad's HRD Score Detects Loss Of DNA Repair Function In Ovarian Cancer

SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 10, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:MYGN) announced today that a study published in the British Journal of Cancer demonstrated the ability of the Company's Homologous Recombination Deficiency (HRD) Assay to detect loss of DNA repair in ovarian tumors. The study, entitled, "Patterns of Genomic Loss of Heterozygosity Predict Homologous Recombination Repair Defects in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer," confirmed, with highly statistically significant results, the relationship between Myriad's HRD score and tumors deficient in DNA repair.

"By measuring the HRD score in tumor samples we expect to be able to predict patient response to therapeutic agents that exploit deficiencies in DNA repair," said Jerry Lanchbury Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Myriad Genetics Inc. "Through this best-in-class test we intend to provide patients and their healthcare providers with critical information regarding response to platinum drugs or PARP inhibitors across multiple cancers including breast, ovarian and other cancers."

Researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, University of Pittsburgh, University of British Colombia, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and Myriad Genetics generated HRD scores in 639 ovarian tumor samples as well as 57 breast and pancreatic cancer cell lines. The data demonstrated that a high HRD score is highly correlated (p = 1.0 x 10 ^-48) with tumor deficiency in DNA repair.

Hereditary and somatic defects in genes that support homologous recombination have been implicated in predisposition to a variety of cancers.  BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutations and other HR defects have potential therapeutic relevance when used to direct the use of therapeutics that introduce or exploit double-stranded DNA breaks. Myriad's HRD score could be utilized to identify patients with a variety of cancers who have a high likelihood of responding to DNA damaging agents such as the platinum drugs, as well as PARP inhibitors. 

About Myriad Genetics

Myriad Genetics is a leading molecular diagnostic company dedicated to making a difference in patients' lives through the discovery and commercialization of transformative tests to assess a person's risk of developing disease, guide treatment decisions and assess risk of disease progression and recurrence. Myriad's portfolio of molecular diagnostic tests are based on an understanding of the role genes play in human disease and were developed with a commitment to improving an individual's decision making process for monitoring and treating disease. Myriad is focused on strategic directives to introduce new products, including companion diagnostics, as well as expanding internationally. For more information on how Myriad is making a difference, please visit the Company's website: www.myriad.com

Myriad, the Myriad logo, BRACAnalysis, Colaris, Colaris AP, Melaris, TheraGuide, Prezeon, OnDose, Panexia and Prolaris are trademarks or registered trademarks of Myriad Genetics, Inc. in the United States and foreign countries. MYGN-G

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