Celebrating Our 25th Anniversary as a Leader in Molecular Diagnostics
The golden era of molecular diagnostics is just beginning.
Myriad Genetics was founded in 1991, 10 years before the human genome was sequenced, making Myriad one of the first genomics companies in history. Today, Myriad is the pioneer and leader in molecular diagnostics, offering innovative products that transform patients’ lives. These products include leading molecular diagnostic tests for hereditary cancer, urological cancer, lung cancer, autoimmune disorders and other diseases. We are excited about the future and remain committed to advancing the science of personalized medicine as we develop more products to address unmet medical needs.
- Myriad’s molecular diagnostic products are designed to assess an individual’s risk for developing disease so that action can be taken to prevent or delay its onset.
- Our diagnostic tests help in the early and accurate diagnosis of disease, when it is more treatable and survival rates are better.
- Our prognostic medicine products assess a patient’s risk of disease progression and recurrence, so that a healthcare professional knows how aggressively to treat the disease.
- Our companion diagnostic products identify a patient’s likelihood of responding to a particular therapy to ensure optimal treatment decisions.
Myriad and Gene Discovery
In conjunction with numerous collaborators from around the world, Myriad scientists have discovered many important disease-causing genes, including:
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer;
- p16 cell cycle control gene that increases the risk of developing a variety of cancers, notably melanoma;
- PTEN tumor suppressor gene that is involved in the development of many cancers;
- ELAC2 prostate cancer gene.
Myriad Developed the First Molecular Diagnostic Test for Breast Cancer
In 1996, Myriad introduced the first molecular diagnostic test for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. This test, BRACAnalysis ®, became the standard of care for determining a person’s risk of developing these hereditary cancers and has been followed by several other innovative molecular diagnostic tests for breast, colon, lung, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian and uterine cancers, as well as melanoma. To date, Myriad’s hereditary cancer tests have benefited more than 1.5 million patients.
Advancing the Science of Genomics
Beginning in 2001, Myriad sequenced the rice genome, which revealed ways to increase crop yields, decrease pest infestation and potentially improve crop management. In addition, the genomes of the Pinot Noir grape, Golden Delicious apple and pufferfish were sequenced.
Myriad’s DNA Genotyping Capabilities Assisted in Identifying 9/11 Victims
In September 2001, Myriad provided genotyping assistance to the New York City Coroner’s Office to help identify the victims of the 9/11 attacks and bring closure to their families. In addition, Myriad scientists worked with the Scientific Advisory Board for the International Commission on Missing Persons to identify victims of the genocide in Bosnia.
Prolaris is the First Genetic Prognostic Test for Patients with Prostate Cancer
The launch of Prolaris in 2010 provided physicians with the first prognostic test that offers a direct measure of the molecular biology of an individual patient’s prostate cancer. By measuring the expression levels of genes involved in cancer cell proliferation, Prolaris is able to more accurately predict disease aggressiveness.
Protein Biomarker Solutions Have Been Added to Our Technology Portfolio
Myriad is a pioneer in applying nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) technologies to identifying novel genetic biomarkers that have the potential to save lives and improve the quality of life for patients with cancer or who have a family history of the disease. In 2011, Myriad acquired Rules-Based Medicine of Austin, Texas, a leader in using multiplex immunoassay technologies to discover protein biomarkers. The ability to work with DNA, RNA and proteins gives Myriad a complete complement of biomarker technologies and positions the Company as a leader in the emerging field of companion diagnostics and personalized medicine. Learn more about Myriad RBM.
We Have Expanded into the Area of Autoimmune Diseases
In 2014, as part of our efforts to add to our diagnostic portfolio that is focused on saving lives and improving the quality of life for patients across major diseases, Myriad acquired Crescendo Bioscience, a global leader in autoimmune diagnostics, located in South San Francisco, California. Crescendo pioneered protein-based diagnostics for monitoring disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and has a pipeline of products under development for a wide range of autoimmune diseases and conditions.
Global Expansion and Increased Reach
In 2012, Myriad expanded internationally with the opening of our laboratory in Munich, Germany. We currently have a presence in 128 countries: 16 in which we have direct subsidiaries and 112 countries in which we have 44 distributors on 6 continents. Our international corporate headquarters is located in Zurich, Switzerland, and we have sales operations in Paris, France; Madrid, Spain; Milan, Italy; Munich and Zurich. We believe that our robust portfolio of diagnostic tests will benefit patients worldwide by assisting healthcare professionals in guiding their healthcare decisions.
Diversifying Our Molecular Diagnostics Portfolio with New Products
Myriad launched three important products in 2013: myRisk Hereditary Cancer, a 25-gene panel that identifies an elevated risk for eight important cancers; myPlan Lung Cancer, a molecular prognostic test that provides an accurate assessment of cancer aggressiveness in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer; and myPath Melanoma, a gene expression test that is designed to diagnose malignant melanoma.
Advancing Personalized Medicine
Myriad continued its pioneering work in personalized medicine with the launch of BRACAnalysis CDx in 2014. This test is the first and only FDA-approved companion diagnostic that helps identify women with advanced ovarian cancer who might benefit from treatment with AstraZeneca’s Lynparza™.
