Myriad Announces Partnership with OptraHEALTH to Deliver “Gene” a New AI Based Information Tool for Hereditary Cancer Patients

SALT LAKE CITY, July 06, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MYGN), a leader in molecular diagnostics and precision medicine, today announced a new collaboration with OptraHEALTH to implement a cognitive ChatBOT named Gene  to provide genetic and financial assistance information to prospective patients.  Gene is an AI-powered, HIPAA-compliant knowledge platform for genetic health with BOT interfaces and can answer over 500,000 health related questions pertaining to hereditary cancer.  Gene interfaces with Myriad’s market leading online hereditary cancer quiz, which is now taken by approximately one million people per year.

“We are excited to offer this innovative new tool for physicians and patients to provide best-in-class pre-test education solutions that we can supplement with live sessions when necessary,” said Nicole Lambert, president of Myriad International, Oncology and Women’s Health.  “Myriad is highly focused on making the screening and testing process as streamlined as possible for healthcare providers and the implementation of this new technology will give their patients access to unparalleled online genetic education and support tools. This is especially important in the current environment with COVID-19 where patients may not be returning to the clinic setting and pre-test education can be particularly helpful as they work remotely with the healthcare provider to determine if testing is right for them.”

Gene will interactively engage individuals online, providing them with education about hereditary cancer prior to taking an online assessment to determine if they may be a candidate for genetic testing.  For those who complete the preliminary assessment and meet criteria for further evaluation, Gene will automate a pre-test process that sends an educational link that displays interactive multimedia content and gives the option to start a live conversation with a patient educator, who is a certified genetic counselor. Gene can also assist in finding a healthcare provider who can help a patient make an informed, definitive decision whether testing is appropriate and then order testing if so. Myriad plans on launching the Gene chatbot for its Foresight and Prequel prenatal tests and for companion diagnostic testing in oncology later this calendar year.