Myriad advances proprietary myVision® variant classification tools to a broader range of cancer risk genes

Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:MYGN), a leader in molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine, today announced it will present new data on its proprietary variant classification program that is used to classify variants in cancer risk genes. The study will be highlighted at the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) and Genomics annual clinical genetics meeting in Tampa, Fla.

"As the world leader in multi-gene panel testing for hereditary cancer, we have a long track record and commitment to advancing the science of variant classification," said Johnathan Lancaster, chief medical officer, Myriad Genetic Laboratories. "Our goal is to provide physicians with the highest quality results possible for every test we perform."

Myriad's myVision variant classification program is comprised of proprietary techniques that allow for the most accurate classification for hereditary cancer variants including: Pheno^®, M-Co^®, InSite™ and LitView™. The Pheno technique is a history weighting algorithm that could only be developed by Myriad after sequencing the DNA of more than 400,000 patients.

In this study, the Pheno algorithm was used to analyze variants of unknown significance associated with high cancer risk genes including BRCA1, BRCA2, MLH1, MSH2 and MSH6. Additionally, the algorithm was updated to analyze variants of unknown significance in moderate cancer risk genes including ATM, CHEK2 and PALB2. The results of this study showed that Pheno was >99.5 percent accurate for upgrading and downgrading variants of uncertain significance to more definitive clinical classifications.

"As the myRisk Hereditary Cancer 25-gene panel test becomes more integrated into clinical practice, there will be a need to classify a greater number of variants," said Lancaster. "Variants of uncertain significance are particularly problematic for physicians because they leave questions as to whether variations in a patient's DNA are of concern. This study demonstrates the ability of Pheno to accurately classify variants from a broader range of genes, which should help reduce anxiety for more patients and their families."

Details about the featured Myriad presentations at ACMG are below. Follow Myriad on Twitter via @MyriadGenetics and stay up-to-date with the meeting by using the hashtag #ACMGMtg16.

Myriad Presentations

Title: Reclassification of uncertain variants identified in high and moderate cancer risk genes using history weighting analysis.
Date: Friday, March 11, 2016: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET.
Location: Poster 110.
Presenter: Karla Bowles, Myriad Genetic Laboratories.

Title: Detailed review of four patients affected with cancer that were previously unaffected at the time of single syndrome testing and subsequently had pathogenic variants identified by a 25-gene panel.
Date: Thursday, March 10, 2016: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET.
Location: Poster 109.
Presenter: Allison Anguiano, Myriad Genetic Laboratories.

About Pheno and myVision Variant Classification Program

Pheno is a family history-weighting tool that compares the severity of personal and family histories of patients who carry a specific variant to that of individuals who carry known deleterious mutations and to individuals in whom no mutation was detected. Pheno is a proprietary component of the myVision™ Variant Classifcation Program, which is the most advanced informatics program in the industry, overseeing the classification and reclassification of genetic variants, and is part of Myriad's commitment to patients and their families that lasts a lifetime. For more information about Myriad's variant classification program visit: https://www.myriadpro.com/for-your-practice/myvision-2/.

About Myriad myRisk^® Hereditary Cancer Testing

The Myriad myRisk Hereditary Cancer test uses next-generation sequencing technology to evaluate 25 clinically significant genes associated with eight hereditary cancer sites including: breast, colon, ovarian, endometrial, pancreatic, prostate and gastric cancers and melanoma. For more information visit: https://www.myriad.com/products-services/hereditary-cancers/myrisk-hereditary-cancer/.

About Myriad Genetics

For more than 25 years, Myriad Genetics Inc., has been a leading personalized medicine company dedicated to being a trusted advisor transforming patient lives worldwide with pioneering molecular diagnostics. Myriad discovers and commercializes molecular diagnostic tests that: determine the risk of developing disease, accurately diagnose disease, assess the risk of disease progression, and guide treatment decisions across six major medical specialties where molecular diagnostics can significantly improve patient care and lower healthcare costs. Myriad is focused on three strategic imperatives: transitioning and expanding its hereditary cancer testing markets, diversifying its product portfolio through the introduction of new products and increasing the revenue contribution from international markets. For more information on how Myriad is making a difference, please visit the Company's website: www.myriad.com.