Myriad Genetics and NCI Renew Agreement
on BRCA Gene Research Testing

Myriad Genetics, Inc., and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have renewed their agreement in which the company will provide testing of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes at a reduced cost as a service to all National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists and grantees. The agreement greatly reduces the cost of sequencing these genes in research protocols, allowing scientists to more aggressively pursue their investigations of these important cancer susceptibility genes. It applies to genetic testing for research purposes only, not the delivery of health care services to patients. The agreement makes it possible for researchers to obtain high-quality mutational analysis for research purposes at affordable prices.

Use of this mechanism is not mandatory, nor is it a precondition for NCI sponsorship of research activities. The mechanism may be considered whenever investigators believe it to be advantageous and appropriate for their research programs. If an institution has a pre-existing agreement with Myriad Genetics, it can be amended to extend to the investigator the same terms and conditions of the agreement, including price. Existing projects of NIH intramural and grantee scientists will be charged under the pricing terms of the original agreement between NCI and Myriad Genetics. Existing projects are defined as those specific projects that are to be paid for with funds budgeted from NIH grants awarded prior to December 15, 2001. This agreement is not intended to impede collaborations in any way. It places no limits on separate agreements between institutions and private industry related to intellectual property or other important rights.

Questions about the agreement may be directed to:

Jeffrey W. Thomas, Ph.D., Senior Advisor
NCI, Technology Transfer Branch
Phone: (301) 846-5465
Fax: (301) 846-6820
email: jeffreyt@mail.nih.gov

February 2002