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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
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