On December 12, 2017 Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:MYGN), a leader in molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine, reported that data from the EMBRACA trial showed Myriad’s BRACAnalysis CDx test successfully identified patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who responded to Pfizer’s investigational PARP inhibitor, talazoparib (Press release, Myriad Genetics, DEC 12, 2017, View Source [SID1234522582]).

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The EMBRACA trial (NCT01945775) data were presented last week at the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS). The study included approximately 400 patients, all of whom tested positive for germline BRCA mutations as determined by Myriad’s FDA-approved BRACAnalysis CDx test. As presented at SABCS, the results demonstrated that patients with gBRCA+ locally advanced and/or MBC demonstrated superior progression-free survival (PFS) in patients treated with talazoparib, compared to patients who received physician’s choice standard-of-care chemotherapy. Additionally, the PFS benefit was consistent across metastatic BRCA-positive patients, including those with hormone receptor-positive and triple negative disease.

"BRACAnalysis CDx is the only germline companion diagnostic test approved by the FDA to identify patients with BRCA1/2 mutations, and we are excited to support Pfizer’s clinical development program and help identify patients who are most likely to benefit from talazoparib," said Mark C. Capone, president and CEO, Myriad Genetics. "As the pioneers in companion diagnostics for PARP inhibitors, we are excited that more patients may benefit from these novel drugs in the future."

It is estimated there are approximately 60,000 patients with metastatic breast cancer, two thirds of whom are not currently eligible for BRCA testing based upon family and personal history alone or current testing criteria.

Myriad first announced its collaboration to develop a novel companion diagnostic test for talazoparib on Oct. 1, 2013. Under that agreement (originally with BioMarin; now Pfizer), Myriad plans to submit a supplementary premarket approval (sPMA) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under its existing PMA for BRACAnalysis CDx to include talazoparib.

About BRACAnalysis CDx
BRACAnalysis CDx is an in vitro diagnostic device intended for the qualitative detection and classification of variants in the protein coding regions and intron/exon boundaries of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes using genomic DNA obtained from whole blood specimens collected in EDTA. Single nucleotide variants and small insertions and deletions (indels) are identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing. Large deletions and duplications in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are detected using multiplex PCR. Results of the test are used as an aid in identifying ovarian cancer patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA variants, who are or may become eligible for treatment with Lynparza (olaparib). Detection of deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA variants by the BRACAnalysis CDx test in ovarian cancer patients is also associated with enhanced progression-free survival (PFS) from Zejula (niraparib)maintenance therapy. This assay is for professional use only and is to be performed only at Myriad Genetic Laboratories, a single laboratory site located at 320 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108. Learn more at: View Source