Pathway Genomics to provide genetic testing for BRCA gene linked to breast, ovarian cancers

Jun 15 2013

Pathway Genomics led the evening news Friday with an announcement that it could begin offering affordable access to genetic testing for the BRCA gene linked to breast and ovarian cancers in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that eliminated another company's monopoly on the test.

“These tests, these lifesaving tests will be much more affordable for all of us regardless of how much money is in your pocket.”

"These tests, these lifesaving tests will be much more affordable for all of us regardless of how much money is in your pocket." Laura Farmer Sherman from the Susan G. Komen chapter told NBC San Diego.

Actress Angelina Jolie announced recently that she had undergone a double mastectomy after the genetic test showed she had an extremely high risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. It has been reported that Myriad Genetics, the company that held the patent on the BRCA genes, charges from $3,000 to $7,000 for the tests.

The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that Myriad could not patent a naturally occurring gene. The ruling invalidates the company's patents on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are used in genetic tests to tell whether someone is genetically predisposed to certain breast or ovarian cancers. As a result of the patent, Myriad held a monopoly on the tests.

With an estimated 40,000 people expected to die of breast cancer this year, Pathway thinks the effects of providing affordable genetic testing will be profound.

This Supreme Court decision is good because it removes the price barrier and allows all women to access this potentially life saving test. Thousands, and perhaps hundreds of thousands of lives can be saved now that more women will have access to these tests," Plante said.

Pathway will include tests for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in its new Hereditary Cancer DNA Insight^SM test that it intends to release in August. Pathway's price of the test will be substantially lower than the competition. Inherited BRCA gene mutations are responsible for approximately five percent of breast cancers and about 10 to 15 percent of ovarian cancers. Patients who have deleterious BRCA mutations may also have increased risk of other cancers.

In addition to the BRCA genes, Pathway's comprehensive test will screen for 30 genes linked to inherited cancers, including thyroid, lung and colorectal cancers.

SOURCE Pathway Genomics