Houston and Salt Lake City, January 7, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Myriad Genetics, Inc. today announced a five-year strategic alliance to accelerate the clinical evaluation and development of Myriad’s molecular residual disease (MRD) assay.
Strategic Alliance for MRD Assay Development
This strategic alliance brings together the longstanding oncology diagnostic experience of Myriad Genetics and the clinical and translational research expertise of MD Anderson to create a portfolio of studies to evaluate the clinical validity and utility of Myriad’s Precise MRD. The collaboration aims to explore how Myriad’s ultrasensitive Precise MRD test can enhance treatment strategies for providers and improve patient outcomes.
"We look forward to working with MD Anderson to evaluate Precise MRD’s utility in cancer care," said Dale Muzzey, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Myriad Genetics. "Our collaborative studies will investigate the clinical validity and utility of Myriad’s Precise MRD test in breast, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and gynecological cancers."
Collaborative Studies and Research
Under the terms of the agreement, MD Anderson and Myriad Genetics will collaborate to design both retrospective and prospective studies to investigate the test’s utility in various types of cancer. The goal of these studies is to generate evidence that supports national guideline inclusion and healthcare provider adoption.
MD Anderson investigators will lead patient enrollment, sample collection, clinical data analysis, and manuscript writing. Myriad will provide funding, MRD testing, and scientific research support as well as potential milestone and royalty payments under the collaboration.
Expansion of Existing Collaborations
This strategic alliance expands upon existing collaborations between MD Anderson researchers and Myriad, including ongoing studies in breast cancer and renal cell carcinoma.
About Myriad Genetics
Myriad Genetics is a leading genetic testing and precision medicine company dedicated to advancing health and well-being for all. Myriad develops and offers genetic tests that help assess the risk of developing disease or disease progression and guide treatment decisions across medical specialties where genetic insights can significantly improve patient care and lower healthcare costs.
About MD Anderson
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston ranks as one of the world’s most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education, and prevention. The institution’s sole mission is to end cancer for patients and their families around the world.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including that Myriad will work with MD Anderson to evaluate Precise MRD’s utility in cancer care, MD Anderson and Myriad Genetics will collaborate to design both retrospective and prospective studies to investigate the test’s utility in breast, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and gynecological cancers, the collaborative studies will explore how the Precise MRD test can enhance treatment strategies for providers and improve patient outcomes.
Investor Contact
Matt Scalo
(801) 584-3532
IR@myriad.com
Media Contact
Glenn Farrell
(385) 318-3718
PR@myriad.com
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The announcement of the five-year strategic alliance between Myriad Genetics and MD Anderson Cancer Center marks a significant milestone in the development of molecular residual disease (MRD) assays. This collaboration brings together two leading institutions in oncology research, with the goal of accelerating the clinical evaluation and development of MRD assays.
Background on MRD Assays
Molecular residual disease (MRD) assays are designed to detect small amounts of tumor-derived DNA in patient samples. These tests have the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by enabling healthcare providers to monitor patients for relapse after treatment, identify high-risk patients in need of clinical trials, and potentially develop new intervention approaches.
Importance of Collaborative Research
Collaborative research between industry leaders like Myriad Genetics and academic institutions like MD Anderson is crucial for advancing the development of MRD assays. By pooling their resources and expertise, these organizations can accelerate the evaluation and validation of these tests, which are critical to improving patient outcomes.
Benefits of Precise MRD Assay
The Precise MRD assay developed by Myriad Genetics has been designed to detect tumor-derived DNA at very low levels, making it a highly sensitive tool for monitoring patients with cancer. This test has the potential to enable healthcare providers to make more informed treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.
Challenges in MRD Assay Development
The development of MRD assays is a complex and challenging process that requires significant investment in research and development. Collaborative efforts between industry leaders and academic institutions can help address these challenges by pooling resources, expertise, and data.
Future Directions for MRD Assay Research
As the field of MRD assay research continues to evolve, it is essential to maintain a collaborative approach that brings together experts from various disciplines. By working together, researchers and clinicians can accelerate the development of MRD assays and make significant strides in improving patient outcomes.
Conclusion
The strategic alliance between Myriad Genetics and MD Anderson Cancer Center marks an exciting milestone in the development of MRD assays. This collaboration demonstrates the power of collaborative research and highlights the importance of industry-academic partnerships in advancing cancer treatment.
