Myriad Genetics Announces Foundational Patent Granted for Molecular Residual Disease (MRD) with Early Priority Date

SALT LAKE CITY, March 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics, Inc., (NASDAQ: MYGN), a leader in genetic testing and precision medicine, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent that will strengthen its ability to deliver a tumor-informed, high-definition, molecular residual disease (MRD) assay to market. 

U.S. patent 11,932,910, entitled Combinatorial DNA Screening, covers Myriad’s foundational and proprietary method of preparing cell free DNA. This method describes a key aspect of tumor-informed MRD assays that detect circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) through sequencing. Specifically, the patented method relates to the manner in which a sample is sufficiently enriched with ctDNA that it can be detected, if present, with high sensitivity and specificity.

“The 2016 filing date of this patent—at the advent of MRD development—highlights Myriad’s foresight about the potential role of tumor-derived cell-free DNA in the expanding field of cancer diagnostics,” said Paul J. Diaz, President and CEO, Myriad Genetics. “The issuance of this patent showcases some of Myriad’s novel proprietary technology that we believe will help advance Myriad’s position as a precision medicine leader—both via its own Precise MRD offering and via potential licensing opportunities in the MRD space. We have developed our Precise MRD assay by leveraging Myriad’s existing technology, laboratory systems and processes, infrastructure and intellectual property, building upon our FDA-approved MyChoice companion diagnostic and FirstGene platforms. We believe that our unique set of capabilities will enable us to profitably commercialize Precise MRD, advancing oncology care for patients in this emerging under-penetrated market.”

Myriad has made significant strides in developing its Precise MRD assay. The test is currently being installed in the company’s new state-of-the-art laboratory facility in Salt Lake City, where it will soon undergo further validation to enable its use in a range of applications, including biopharma studies and interventional prospective trials. Myriad has announced several important research collaborations: a retrospective study of MRD efficacy in metastatic breast cancer with researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering, a retrospective analysis of MRD utility in metastatic renal cell carcinoma with clinicians at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and a prospective pan-cancer study beginning in May with pioneering MRD researchers at the National Cancer Center East in Japan.