Myriad Genetics

Myriad Genetics is an American molecular diagnostic company based in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. The company was founded in 1991 and has played a significant role in the field of genetic testing and precision medicine.

History

Myriad Genetics was founded in 1991 by a group of scientists including Mark Skolnick, who is known for his work in identifying the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The company was one of the first to offer genetic testing for these genes.

Services

Myriad Genetics provides a range of diagnostic services, primarily in the areas of oncology, women's health, dermatology, urology, and neurology. The company's tests are designed to assess an individual's risk of developing disease, guide treatment decisions, and assess risk of disease progression and recurrence.

Controversies

The company has been involved in several controversies, most notably regarding its patents on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. In 2013, the United States Supreme Court ruled in the case of Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc. that naturally occurring DNA sequences cannot be patented, effectively invalidating Myriad's patents on the BRCA genes.

See also

• Genetic testing
• Precision medicine
• BRCA1
• BRCA2