Myriad Genetics, Inc has signed an agreement with Abbott Laboratories, a global health care company, to conduct BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation testing on patients to be enrolled in a phase-III multi-centre, multi-national clinical study (the Study) of a novel drug candidate (the Study Drug) for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. This agreement is in addition to a similar previous agreement for a phase-II study with the same Study Drug.

Under the agreement, Myriad will use its BRACAnalysis test to identify the presence of germline mutations in the breast cancer patients to be enrolled in the Study. Myriad will determine the mutation status of these patients and will provide standard test reports to the clinicians at each study site.

"We are extremely pleased to be working with Abbott, one of the world's leading healthcare companies, on this exciting new clinical study to find better, more effective treatments for patients suffering from breast cancer," said Peter Meldrum, president and chief executive officer of Myriad Genetics, Inc. "This collaboration is a further demonstration of Myriad's commitment to and leadership in the field of companion diagnostics."

BRACAnalysis is an analysis of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes developed by Myriad Genetics for assessing a woman's risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

Myriad Genetics is a leading molecular diagnostic company focused on developing and marketing novel predictive medicine, personalized medicine and prognostic medicine products.