Qiagen, Myriad Genetics to develop kit-based test for analyzing HRD status

Qiagen (QGEN) and Myriad Genetics (MYGN) announced they will develop a globally distributable kit-based test for analyzing Homologous Recombination Deficiency HRD status. This next-generation sequencing or NGS test aims to support research into personalized medicine in multiple solid tumor types, including ovarian cancer and is expected to enhance decentralized testing capacities once a regulated product is developed with pharmaceutical partners. The project builds on the recently announced master collaboration agreement between the two companies. …MyChoice CDx assesses the HRD status by examining a tumor’s DNA repair capabilities, particularly focusing on BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations and calculating a Genome Instability Score GIS . The GIS aids in pinpointing ovarian cancer patients who are most likely to benefit from targeted treatments, such as LYNPARZA by AstraZeneca. “Our partnership with Myriad Genetics underscores a shared commitment to advancing cancer diagnostics. Together, we aim to broaden the accessibility of HRD tests, allowing an increasing number of cancer patients to benefit from tailored treatments,” said Fernando Beils, Senior Vice President and head of the Molecular Diagnostics Business Area. “By introducing a distributable HRD test, we anticipate a reduction in the time required for therapy decisions, a decrease in associated costs, and shorter turnaround times compared to outsourced testing, ultimately benefitting the patients.”