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DETROIT, Nov. 10, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute recognized its 2019 Heroes of Cancer at an evening reception held Nov. 6, at The Gem Theatre, in Detroit. This year's event celebrated Karmanos' 25th year of honoring individuals and organizations that have distinguished themselves and inspired others as they advocate for and raise awareness of all types of cancers. More than 150 guests gathered to pay tribute to these unsung heroes. Ann Delisi, radio/television personality and host of Ann Delisi's Essential Music on WDET101.9 FM, served as emcee and was also one of this year's honorees.

This year's 15 award categories recognized a wide range of community members including survivors, organizations, medical and scientific leaders, and media representatives all who champion for those battling cancer. Whether it's raising awareness to help prevent the disease or detect it early, providing services to help patients and their families, inspiring others while faced with cancer or fundraising to help advance cancer research to improve outcomes and enhance survivorship, each of these individuals, organizations and groups make a difference for those impacted with cancer.

"This event is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the extraordinary achievements of those dedicated to making life better for all cancer patients and their families," said Katrina Studvent, chief development officer, Karmanos Cancer Institute. "Each year, we're honored to shed light on the inspirational heroes who, in their own way, help make a difference for those touched by this disease."

Karmanos Cancer Institute is metro Detroit's only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, treating more than 200 types of cancer. Proud to be part of McLaren Health Care, Karmanos now has 16 treatment locations throughout Michigan, making it the largest provider of cancer care and research in the state.

"I feel privileged to work with the incredibly gifted team at Karmanos who help develop new cancer therapies that other health organizations will use in the future," said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Karmanos Cancer Institute and chair of the Department of Oncology at Wayne State University School of Medicine.

"Our scientists are world leaders in cancer treatment development. Each is dedicated to the well-being of cancer patients, helping to advance treatment breakthroughs that can lead to improved outcomes not just for those treated at Karmanos but for all cancer patients. It takes all of us working together to provide the multi-faceted support needed for cancer patients and their loved ones to survive and thrive. I am humbled by this year's honorees and truly grateful for all they do to help those impacted by cancer."

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer InstituteKarmanos Cancer Institute is a leader in transformative cancer care, research and education through courage, commitment and compassion.Our vision is a world free of cancer.Headquartered in Detroit with 16 locations throughout Michigan, proudly a part of McLaren Health Care, makes Karmanos the largest provider of cancer care and research in the state. Karmanos is recognized by the National Cancer Institute as one of the best cancer centers in the nation.Our academic partnership with the Wayne State University School of Medicine provides the framework for cancer research and education defining new standards of care and improving survivorship. For more information, call 1-800-KARMANOS (800-527-6266) or visit http://www.karmanos.org. Follow Karmanos on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Following are Karmanos Cancer Institute's 2019 Heroes of Cancer.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Recognizing an individual or organization for assisting in efforts to reach the community with the importance of cancer early detection, cancer care, and/or survivorship, in a volunteer capacity.

The mission of the Prevent Cancer Foundation, based in Alexandrea, Virginia, is to save lives across all populations through cancer prevention and early detection. The Foundation's programs have impacted thousands of lives, providing resources specifically targeted at prevention and screening. In August 2018, the Prevent Cancer Foundation awarded the McLaren Northern Michigan Foundation a grant to support an early lung cancer screening and a smoking cessation program. During the past year, the grant has provided early lung cancer screenings for more than 400 people and has helped launch cancer prevention education programs to more than 30,000 individuals across northern Michigan. Additionally, the grant has served as a catalyst for the Karmanos Cancer Network to implement software that connects electronic medical records to the America College of Radiology (ACR) Lung Cancer Screening Registry. This allows screenings performed across the network to be reimbursed by health insurance.

"All of us at the Prevent Cancer Foundation are thrilled to be honored with this Heroes of Cancer Community Service Award from the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. The Foundation has been solely dedicated to cancer prevention and early detection since 1985. Thank you for recognizing our contributions to helping communities stop cancer before it starts!" Erica Childs Warner, senior director, Evaluation & Outreach

COMPASSIONATE CAREGIVER AWARDHonoring a health care professional whose treatment of cancer patients has been marked by exceptional technical skill, combined with sensitivity and compassion.

Linda Robinson is a social worker for Karmanos Cancer Institute in Clarkston and Lapeer. She has more than 30 years of experience as a dedicated and compassionate caregiver at Karmanos and McLaren Health Care. She embraces her patients with her entire heart and works many long hours caring for them. She not only attends to their emotional needs, she also works diligently to locate resources for food, housing and adequate health insurance coverage. Additionally, she assists patients with complicated financial issues and insurance forms.

Robinson has also been instrumental in initiating many patient support programs, including a patient drug assistance program with the cooperation of pharmaceutical vendors. She also maintains a food pantry and a wig room at Karmanos locations at Lapeer and Clarkston to meet patients' basic and special needs.

"I am so very pleased to be honored with the Compassionate Caregiver Award, as I believe that compassion is at the heart of what we do.I have a passion for helping patients get the support and resources that they need as they cope with cancer, and to enable them to live their best lives." Linda Robinson

MAUREEN KEENAN MELDRUM HOPE AWARDNamed after Maureen Keenan Meldrum, former Karmanos and Susan G. Komen employee who, after being diagnosed with breast cancer, spent years providing help and support to others fighting cancer. This award recognizes an individual for their unprecedented commitment, compassion and demonstrated leadership that engages, supports and inspires others in the fight to end cancer.

Connie Claybaker worked at Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit for 13 years, most recently as associate center director of Research Administration. She retired in December 2016 with the hope of spending her time traveling and enjoying retirement with her partner Kathy. Her life rapidly changed in early 2018 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Her disease required her to make life-altering decisions about her care. In her role at Karmanos, Claybaker managed the administrative aspects of clinical trials and realized the important contributions clinical trials make toward the advancement of new cancer therapies. She felt a professional and personal obligation to participate in a clinical trial. She believed that if someone before her had participated in a clinical trial that ultimately was helping her, it was her duty to pay it forward. Throughout her treatments, even when she wasn't feeling well, she maintained her wonderful sense of humor and hopeful spirit. She continues to be a mentor and friend to so many other cancer patients.

"Activists and volunteers are essential in this fight for the cure.To even be mentioned in the same sentence with Maureen Meldrum is a humbling experience.Wonder Woman pales in comparison." Connie Claybaker

THE GERI LESTER COURAGE AWARDSNamed after Geri Lester who advocated for other cancer patients before she lost her 20-year battle with breast cancer, this award honors an individual whose battle with cancer has been an inspiration to family, friends and community.

Renee Schuett has fought three different types of cancers, breast, ovarian and acute myelodysplastic leukemia in her young life and has done so with grace and determination. While admitted for treatments, Schuett has always had a positive attitude and encourages other patients during their own treatments. She helped establish a walking program for patients at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Oakland and encouraged the hospital administration to set up a lap board so that patients could track the number of laps they walk each day. She has also been an advocate for cancer research and participation in the National Bone Marrow Registry. She has used her cancer journey to encourage others to become bone marrow donors and to support oncology programs. As a mother of two young daughters, Schuett has served as an inspiration to everyone. She remains positive in the face of cancer and does not give up the fight.

"I'm so honored to be able to stand here today, with my family by my side, to accept this award.I've been fighting this battle three times and I am only looking forward to my future." - Renee Schuett

Detroit Comedian Tarome Wright, affectionately known by his stage name Coolaide, was diagnosed with sarcoma in 2014. He was well noted for his performances on BET's ComicView, Bill Bellamy's Who's Got Jokes? During his cancer treatments, which spanned five years, Coolaide toured with fellow comedian Lil Duval. Sadly, Wright passed away from his disease in December 2018. He was a patient of Amy Weise, D.O., at Karmanos in Detroit, and was loved by many. He used his platform as a comedian to encourage cancer patients everywhere and brought laughter wherever he went. During his fight with cancer, Coolaide put on a free comedy show for cancer patients in the metro Detroit area. At the show, he encouraged patients to stand up and share their stories about their own cancer experiences. His legacy of using laughter to get through the most difficult times and his willingness to share his story with others will live on with all who knew and loved him.

"Take advantage of being alive. Do it, people. Love hard. Forgive people and don't take nothing for granted. You die once. But you love every day" Tarome "Coolaide" Wright (Excerpt from a 2018 video.)

LEADERSHIP AWARDS For helping to bring about a society that encourages people to speak out about their illness, educate others about cancer and increase funding for cancer research.

Dr. Philip A. Philip has done extensive studies to improve the treatment of patients with GI cancers. This is reflected in his numerous publications that detail some of the best treatments, including more than 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts and more than 50 review articles and book chapters. In 2019, Dr. Philip was named the chair of Gastrointestinal Cancers at the Southwest Oncology Group. In this role, he will continue to develop clinical trials at the national level to help bring better and more effective treatments to cancer patients not only the patients at Karmanos but others fighting GI cancers throughout the country. In addition, Dr. Philip is continually sought after for his knowledge and expertise regarding pancreatic cancer. No matter how busy he is, he finds time to meet with patients and their families to address the questions, concerns and treatment options regarding this very challenging disease. He is a world-renowned expert whose team is also compassionate. Together, they are a relentless force determined to do all they can to improve survivorship, as well as to make sure the time a patient has with their loved ones is of the highest quality.

"I am humbled to be recognized as a Hero of Cancer. I am privileged to work alongside the dedicated team at Karmanos who support me in my work and serve our cancer patients in the best possible way. This award is an acknowledgement of teamwork and I promise to continue to do my best for those battling this disease. I learn from my patients who are true heroes!" Dr. Philip Philip

Kids Kicking Cancer was established 20 years ago by Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg, international director of theSouthfield-based organization, as well as clinical professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine. Affectionately known as Rabbi G, he was inspired to create the organization after losing his two-year-old daughter, Sarah, to leukemia. Kids Kicking Cancer teaches children about power, peace and purpose through breathing, martial arts movements and meditation. One of its martial artists, Michael Hunt, has endless patience, humor and warmth when connecting with young cancer patients. Hunt is just one of the Kids Kicking Cancer representatives who teaches classes for children on active cancer treatment, as well as their siblings who also face their own challenges and stressors. There is no hour of the day that Hunt won't travel to Detroit, Ann Arbor or beyond to serve the regional children's hospitals and to support their most vulnerable patients through challenging treatments. There are times when he and his colleagues are the only support for children whose parents aren't able to be with them because of transportation issues or other child care or work responsibilities.

"Kids Kicking Cancer is building a Heroes Circle around the world of powerful little martial artists who teach and inspire.These children face down pain, fear and anger with their ability to breathe in the light and blow out the darkness.We are honored to accept the prestigious Karmanos Cancer Institute Heroes of Cancer Leadership Award.Karmanos was one of the first institutions to present our program 20 years ago." Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg "Rabbi G" Founder and Global Director

MEDIA AWARD Recognizing outstanding media work that communicates important messages about cancer awareness.

Dr. Frank McGeorge is the medical reporter at WDIV Local 4 Detroit. His medical knowledge and experience as an emergency room physician at Henry Ford Health System gives him insight on what health information can serve as a resource for the public. He is professional and fair in his reporting, highlighting health stories from many hospitals and health care centers across the southeast Michigan region and beyond. Dr. McGeorge carefully articulates each story with accuracy, no matter how complex, and communicates it in a way the non-medical public can understand. He has covered several stories highlighting the cutting-edge research, cancer services and survivor stories at Karmanos Cancer Institute throughout the years. However, his outstanding coverage over the last two years related to pancreatic cancer has elevated awareness and education highlighting this complex disease, which all too often is diagnosed at a late stage. The media coverage showcasing some high-profile individuals who have battled this disease led to interviews with Karmanos pancreatic cancer experts Philip A. Philip, M.D., Ph.D., and Asfar Azmi. Ph.D., as well as Sheila Sky-Kasselman, a pancreatic cancer survivor and founder of the Sky Foundation, Pancreatic cancer is a challenging disease. The sooner it can be diagnosed, the better. With the expertise of Dr. McGeorge and those he interviews, he sheds light on the research underway and the need for funding to support it, and details the courage of those facing pancreatic cancer and the doctors and researchers who dedicate their lives to improving survival outcomes.

"As a practicing physician, I see the toll cancer takes on people every day.As a medical reporter it is my privilege to share stories of inspiration, hope and medical progress.I can only hope that by raising awareness, there will be increased funding and research into prevention, detection and treatment. It is an honor to be recognized in this way." Dr. Frank McGeorge

PHILANTHROPY AWARDHonoring an individual and/or organization that has dedicated resources and talents to benefit the cause of cancer.

In 1983, the Department of Michigan Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States began its program to furnish monetary aid for cancer research. Members of the VFW have generously dedicated funds to support cancer research initiatives to help eradicate this disease. As a result, to date, VFW members have contributed more than $800,000 to support Karmanos Cancer Institute's and Wayne State University School of Medicine's cancer research initiatives. Michigan veterans raise funds through a variety of activities and events at local posts, which not only helps fund research but also raises awareness and education regarding this disease. For the past several years, VFW members have supported Karmanos' Prostate Cancer Research Program. For their enthusiastic and generous financial support to help advance cancer research, Karmanos Cancer Institute is honored to present the Department of Michigan Veterans of Foreign Wars the 2019 Heroes of Cancer Philanthropy Award for an Organization.

"We here at the VFW are humbled and honored to have been selected to win this award. We take great pride in providing funds to assist in furthering cancer research and hope to be able to continue for years to come." - Lynn Patterson, State Quartermaster/Adjutant Army, Veterans of Foreign Wars Michigan

The U CAN-CER VIVE Foundation was established in 2016 to support cancer research. Founded by siblings Ryan and Kelley LaFontaine, the ongoing mission of the foundation is to provide vital funding and support for local cancer research grants. The LaFontaine's passion toward the fight against cancer stems from the heart and soul of the family's commitment to give back, knowing firsthand the impact that cancer can have on a family. Since the nonprofit was established, U CAN-CER VIVE has raised nearly $2 million for five research grants currently active in Michigan. The foundation contributed funds to support pancreatic cancer research at Karmanos Cancer Institute in honor of the late L. Brooks Patterson. In addition, the organization, in conjunction with the LaFontaine family, supported Karmanos Cancer Institute's 2019 Partners Night, which raised critical funds for a tumor organ donation program. The foundation also helps spread awareness and supports those battling cancer with their annual Valentine's Day teddy bear program. Operated solely by passionate volunteers, the LaFontaine's are proud to be able to donate 100 percent of the profits of U CAN-CER VIVE to help support and give hope to those with cancer.

"We began U CAN-CER VIVE to unite and engage the community to help support cancer research. We are so proud to partner with Karmanos Cancer Institute's team of experts who share the same mission and vision of a world free of cancer." Kelly Lafontaine

DR. MICHAEL J. BRENNAN SCIENTIFIC DISTINCTION AWARDFor demonstrated leadership in basic or clinical cancer research. Michael J. Brennan, M.D., was a nationally-renowned oncologist and president of the Michigan Cancer Foundation, the forerunner of the Karmanos Cancer Institute. He was also professor emeritus of Medicine for Wayne State University School of Medicine. He took the helm of Michigan Cancer Foundation in 1966, serving as its president until 1991. Under his leadership, in 1978, MCF became the country's 20th National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center, a distinction Karmanos maintains to this day. Dr. Brennan was a pioneer in cancer research, a mentor and inspiration who helped put Karmanos on the map as a leader in compassionate and comprehensive cancer care. Dr. Brennan passed away in 2010 at the age of 89. He was loved by his family, friends and patients and will forever be remembered for his wisdom, warmth, commitment and dedication.

Dr. Asfar Azmi is consistently enthusiastic about working with fellow researchers on various projects and is especially focused on engaging with the next generation of scientists. When asked to brainstorm or consider new scientific strategies, Dr. Azmi is always willing to explore areas not yet well established. He recently secured a prestigious federal grant, a significant achievement for a young faculty member such as himself. Being recognized by the National Cancer Institute is a prestigious validation that his scientific endeavors are worthy of longer-term funding. Dr. Azmi continues to work diligently to ensure that new scientific discoveries are made. He is an excellent young faculty member who is engaged, collaborative and admired by his colleagues for his professionalism and dedication to eradicating cancer.

"I am extremely honored and, at the same time humbled, to be considered for the Heroes of Cancer Scientific Distinction award. I sincerely thank the Heroes Committee for selecting me for this award. A special thanks to every member of my research team and my mentors for their continuous support. Without them, this would not have been possible." Dr. Asfar Azmi

DR. GLORIA HEPPNER INNOVATIVE SCIENCE AWARDNamed after Gloria Heppner, Ph.D., a research trailblazer and retired associate vice president in the Division of Research at Wayne State University School of Medicine. This award honors an individual and/or organization that has proven success with innovative initiatives that help advance cancer research.

Dr. Kay-Uwe Wagner, leader of the Tumor Biology and Microenvironment Program, joined Karmanos Cancer Institute in 2018. He and his team of clinical and basic researchers are developing a Tumor Organ Donation Program that will study the cellular and molecular processes that drive the initiation and metastatic progression of cancers cells through their interaction with healthy cells in an organ. The information gained will have a long-term impact on research pertaining to the spread of cancer cells and help lead to new breakthroughs, providing researchers with access to a library of ethnically diverse cancer specimens. Studying these specimens will help to better understand the tumor progression in a specific patient, and examine why and when cancer cells typically spread to particular healthy organs. These models enable the testing of targeted therapies which can bring about new and improved cancer medications.

"I am deeply honored to be a recipient of the Dr. Gloria Heppner Innovative Science Award. I thank the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute for recognizing the scientific accomplishments of our team, including past trainees that I have had the privilege to mentor. I am fortunate to work with outstanding colleagues here at Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wayne State University." Dr. Kay-Uwe Wagner

RIBBON CHAMPION AWARD An individual and/or group who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to improve education, screening and treatment of a certain type of cancer to encourage prevention while increasing survivorship and advocating to advance cancer research.

Nancie Petrucelli is a dedicated genetic counselor who does her work quietly and without fanfare, according to her colleagues. Despite her low profile, her work has a huge impact on patients and families who are referred to Genetic Counseling Services. Petrucelli's calm demeanor puts patients and their loved ones at ease. She is able to share valuable information that can serve as a tool for a family's health history. Under her leadership, Karmanos Cancer Institute has expanded its genetic testing and counseling services through the Karmanos Cancer Network, which is comprised of 16 locations across the state. Additionally, Petrucelli was recently named Outstanding Clinical Supervisor by the National Society of Genetic Counselors for her Wayne State University Genetic Counseling Graduate Program.

"I am extremely honored and deeply humbled to be receiving the Karmanos Cancer Institute Heroes of Cancer Ribbon Champion Award. I am genuinely grateful for this recognition for work that I find truly gratifying, but mostly I am grateful to the countless patients and families I have encountered over the years who have been a true inspiration to me. They make it all worthwhile." Nancie Petrucelli

B.R.A.V.E. provides emotional and peer support to men who have gone through cancer. Participants in this program unite and support each other as brothers, sharing their journey with this disease. Members help new patients and their partners/spouses cope with cancer and the adjustments to treatments. Anyone who attends the group is welcomed and greeted with love. Members are dedicated to sustaining the group and they make even the most uncomfortable topics about cancer easy to discuss and, at times, laugh about.

In addition to lending emotional support, B.R.A.V.E. members also volunteer their time to assist at Karmanos' Annual Cancer Symposium, now in its ninth year. The symposium allows members to connect with other survivors, some of whom are fearful and angry about their cancer diagnoses. Members listen and invite other men to attend B.R.A.V.E., giving them an outlet to express their fears within the group, as well as with loved ones.

"The feelings that the men of B.R.A.V.E. felt when told that we would be honored as one of the recipients of the Karmanos Heroes of Cancer award was an unexpected joy. For we are proud to receive a gift that acknowledges our work in the metro Detroit community." The Men of B.R.A.V.E.

The final award of the evening was a surprise and recognized the person who has so generously volunteered her time to emcee Karmanos' Heroes of Cancer event for numerus years, Ann Delisi.

MEDIA AWARD Recognizing outstanding media work that communicates important messages about cancer awareness.

When staff at Karmanos Cancer Institute was in the early years of planning the Heroes of Cancer event, they asked Ann Delisi if she would serve as emcee, knowing she would add an extra special touch to the event. There were thrilled when Delisi said yes, and she has been agreeing ever since. Delisi's career in local media is a well-established blend of television, radio and voiceover work. Behind the scenes, she has helped managed the careers of other recognizable journalist. As busy as Delisi is, she always makes time to be there for her family, helping them whenever and however she can. She knows music inside and out, and her cheerful demeanor and incomparable voice is a welcome sound to many. Delisi is one busy lady, which is why Karmanos Cancer Institute is so very grateful each time she shares her talent and time, making everyone feel like a hero. Whenever she emcees, she beautifully articulates the words in the script so the message is meaningful to all those hearing it. Delisi's incredible talent, warmth and compassion shines each time she addresses the audience. Her willingness to champion Karmanos' Heroes of Cancer event each year, as well as her support of other year-round events to help those in the cancer fight, is truly remarkable. Delisi gives a voice to the work being done at Karmanos, as well as the many outstanding community members who are making a real difference for those impacted by cancer. For her generosity and outstanding support, Karmanos Cancer Institute honored Ann Delisi with a 2019 Heroes of Cancer Award Media Award.

For more information on cancer services and ways to support, call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266) or visit http://www.karmanos.org.

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer InstituteKarmanos Cancer Institute is a leader in transformative cancer care, research and education through courage, commitment and compassion.Our vision is a world free of cancer.Headquartered in Detroit with 16 locations throughout Michigan, proudly a part of McLaren Health Care, makes Karmanos the largest provider of cancer care and research in the state. Karmanos is recognized by the National Cancer Institute as one of the best cancer centers in the nation.Our academic partnership with the Wayne State University School of Medicine provides the framework for cancer research and education defining new standards of care and improving survivorship. For more information, call 1-800-KARMANOS (800-527-6266) or visit http://www.karmanos.org. Follow Karmanos on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

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By Frank Pizzoli

HIV is treatable if you take the pills. Taking charge of your virus is the key.

Life with HIV is better if you treat your virus, says Patricia Fonzi, the CEO of the Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania.

And it gets better.

Combinations of current medicines can lower the virus in your bloodstream to an undetectable level. That means the virus as measured on a routine blood test does not register high enough to be detected in your bloodstream. (Its still in your body though and well get to that exciting development below.)

And, if your virus is undetectable, you cannot transmit it to a sexual partner. Thats really how it works. But you must be in treatment, take the medicines as prescribed, and maintain undetectable levels of the virus for at least six months.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the clinical evidence has firmly established the HIV Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) concept as scientifically sound. Pennsylvania has the 9th highest rate of HIV diagnoses in the United States, according to the CDC.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agrees that an HIV-positive person with an undetectable virus cannot pass the virus through unprotected sex. If you cant detect it, you cant transmit it.

Moving into action, Fonzs group recently launched their Take Charge HIV Program.

Theres more to people than their HIV, Shannon McElroy, the programs coordinator, said. She has a deep history with HIV in the region. McElroy volunteered for the six local Black & White Party benefits held in York and Harrisburg. The venue raised more than $100,000 for HIV efforts within the region. (The Central Voicewas a benefit sponsor.)

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We encourage people, as our campaign says Take on life and take control of your HIV, McElroy points out. The point of the campaign is to enroll people in treatment. With regular HIV treatments, youre able to stop the spread of HIV and live your life to the fullest, McElroy said.

If youre uninsured or underinsured, you might be eligible to receive free help right here in central Pennsylvania from leading medical providers, McElroy said. Access to care is a feature of the new program.

Why is access to care important? A cure for HIV may be on the way.

Researchers last July reported inNature Communications, a peer-reviewed scientific journal covering natural sciences, including physics, chemistry, earth sciences, and biology, a potential way to eliminate HIV from an infected animals genome. A genome is genetic material present in a living cell or organism like an animal or a human.

Scientists used a modified form of current HIV treatment on 29 mice. That treatment is known as Anti-retroviral Treatment or ART. Its a combination of medicines, when effective, that reduce the replicating virus to undetectable levels in the bloodstream.

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To this known, effective treatment researchers added a sophisticated gene-editing technique that snips out HIV genes from infected cells. In various tests, the scientists could find no trace of the virus in 30 percent of the mice undergoing this double-punch treatment approach.

Why use this combination of interventions, both traditional HIV medicines and a gene-editing technique?

HIV can be effectively controlled in a persons circulating blood. Unfortunately, the deadly virus remains in what are called reservoirs, or places like internal organs where the virus is not touched by the medicines cleansing it from circulating blood. And every so often, for reasons only partially understood, these reservoirs will spill more virus into the blood stream where the HIV is controlled by the oral medicines.

This is extremely good news, John Goldman, an Infectious Disease and Internal Medicine specialist affiliated with UPMC Pinnacle Health Infectious Disease Associates, told the Central Voice.

Goldman cautioned that this hopeful study is only partially successful with the mice and is an animal study.

The clinical results point toward a way forward, Goldman explained. The next step is to improve the results with mice, then move to, for example, a non-human primate, and then move to human applications.

This could represent a way toward a cure for HIV, Goldman said.

All the more reason to take charge of your HIV and be here when the cure is announced.

Frank Pizzoli is the editor of the Central Voice, where this story first appeared.

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Taking charge of your HIV is critical. Here's what to know and do about it - Pennsylvania Capital-Star

The University of Vermont Health Network has begun a pilot project to offer Genomic DNA Testing to patients as part of their clinical care. The pilot program is the beginning of an effort to increase the integration of genetic disease risks into routine medical care, which holds promise for providing Vermonters with valuable information to guide their health decisions.

"Our overall health and longevity are determined about 30 percent by genetics," said Debra Leonard, MD, PhD, Chair, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. "But until now, most of our clinical health care decisions have been made without understanding the differences in each individual's DNA that could help guide those decisions."

Patients who choose to get the Genomic DNA Test can learn about differences in their DNA that make certain diseases more likely, such as cancer and heart disease. Knowing these genetically-determined disease risks may help patients and health care providers adjust their care to keep people as healthy as possible. While genetic testing to identify the cause of a patient's symptoms to reach a diagnosis is now common in health care, proactive genomic testing to identify health risks across a population is just beginning to be considered, and most projects are being done only in the research setting.

The UVM Health Network is partnering with Invitae and LunaPBC on the pilot project. Invitae will provide information for 147 genes that are well-established indicators of increased risk for certain diseases for which clinical treatment guidelines are established. The test also screens for carrier status for other diseases. Follow-up testing for family members will be provided when appropriate.

"Nearly 1 in 6 healthy individuals exhibits a genetic variant for which instituting or altering medical management is warranted," said Robert Nussbaum, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Invitae. "Genetic screening like the Genomic DNA Test in a population health setting can help identify these risk factors so clinicians can better align disease management and prevention strategies for each patient."

The UVM Health Network is offering the Genomic DNA Test as part of clinical care, but health and genomic data can also help researchers learn more about health and disease. Patients who get the test can consent to securely share their data with researchers through LunaDNA, partner LunaPBC's sharing platform. LunaDNA provides patients with the opportunity to share their genomic and electronic health record information to advance health and disease management research. In the future, patients will also be able to share lifestyle, environment, and nutrition data.Shared data is de-identified and aggregatedduring studiesto protect the privacy of each patient while being used to answer important medical research questions.

"Vermonters who choose to share their genomic data for research will play a leading role in the advancement of precision medicine," said Dawn Barry, LunaPBC President and Co-founder. "This effort puts patients first to create a virtuous cycle for research that doesn't sacrifice patients' control or privacy.We are proud to bring our values as a public benefit corporation and community-owned platform to this partnership."

Dr. Leonard spoke about the project, the UVM Health Network's partnership with LunaPBC and Invitae, and the role of genomics in population health on Monday at the Santa Fe Foundation's Clinical Lab 2.0 Workshop in Chicago, a national conference at which pathologists and healthcare leaders from across the country share ways that pathology can be integral to improving population health.

"Vermont and other states are moving away from 'fee-for-service' health care and toward a system that emphasizes prevention, keeping people healthy and treating illness at its earliest stages," Dr. Leonard said. "Integrating genetic risks into clinical care will help patients and providers in their decision-making."

The pilot project began on Friday, November 1, when the first patient agreed to have the test. During the pilot stage of the project over the next year, the Genomic DNA Test will be offered to approximately 1,000 patients over the next year who: are at least 18 years old; receive their primary care from a participating UVM Health Network Family Medicine provider; are not currently pregnant or the partner of someone who is currently pregnant; and are part of the OneCare Vermont Accountable Care Organization (ACO), a care coordination and quality improvement organization.

Patients do not have to pay for the test or for discussions with the UVM Health Network's Genomic Medicine Resource Center's genetic counselors before and after testing. The test uses a small amount of blood, and focuses on the parts of a patient's DNA that most affect health and health care. Results will go into each patient's medical record, protected like all medical information, and available to the patient and all of their health care providers.

"Much work has gone into getting ready to start this project and it has taken an entire team," Dr. Leonard said. "Providers from Family Medicine, Cardiology, the Familial Cancer Program, Medical Genetics and Pathology, patient and family advisors, ethics and regulatory compliance leaders, Planning, Finance and OneCare Vermont have all worked together to get us across the start line for this initiative."

Patients should be aware that the UVM Health Network will never call them on the phone to ask them to get this test. Testing is arranged through a patient's primary health care provider and only if the patient agrees to have the test.

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Thanks for reading, friends. The author is long shares of Invitae at the time of this writing.

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The University of Vermont Initiates Genomic DNA Testing in Partnership With Genomics Leader Invitae (NYSE:NVTA) as Cigna Joins Invitae's Covered Lives...

Q&A

Penn's Kiran Musunuru talks to us about the technology that has been both praised and criticized for its ability to alter human DNA and potentially cure disease.

Kiran Musunuru is an associate professor of medicine in genetics in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. / Courtesy

CRISPR, the technology being used to edit genes in humans, remains polarizing. On one end, detractors argue that using the technology for certain purposes, like performing gene editing on embryos, is not only dangerous but unethical. On the other end, proponents say CRISPR has the potential to revolutionize human health, and early data shows they might be right. Despite a medical community that is still split on the issue, researchers in the U.S. are kicking tests of the technology into high gear. Several clinical trials have launched in the U.S. testing CRISPRs ability to treat various diseases.

NextHealth PHL spoke with Kiran Musunuru, an associate professor of medicine in genetics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania about the true potential of CRISPR technology and how we can expect it to evolve in the future.

NextHealth PHL: What exactly is CRISPR?Musunru: CRISPR is sort of a catch-all term that covers a variety of technologies. If youre saying CRISPR, youre referring to a broad set of tools that may do it in different ways but are all intended to do a form of gene editing or genome editing.

How do basic CRISPR technologies work?The simplest form of CRISPR, what I call version 1.0, is the original standard CRISPR that most laboratories and companies interested in developing new therapies use. It is a two-component system. There is a protein and an RNA molecule thats about 100 bases in length. The protein and the RNA molecule come together to create what well call a molecular machine and the purpose of this molecular machine is to scan across any DNA molecule it encounters. So if you put the CRISPR-Cas9 into the nucleus of a human cell, this molecular machine will scan the entire genome.

The machine has two key functions built into it; the first is a GPS function. When you change the first 20 bases in a DNA length (the first 20 bases is basically the address) to whatever address you want, the GPS function makes the machine go through the entire genome and find the sequence that matches the address. The second function of this machine is to protect the genome, like a search-and-destroy function. You put in the address, it goes to that matching place in the genome and then it makes a cut in the DNA.

Cutting the DNA is actually a bad thing but the cells have ways to try to fix that break, and the actual editing is a result of the cell trying to fix that break in the DNA, not from CRISPR itself, interestingly enough.

How does CRISPR turn a break in someones DNA into a good thing?There are a few ways this can happen. The safest thing you can do is to break a gene or turn off a gene. The metaphor I like to use is to think of the whole genome as a book, and each chromosome in the genome is a chapter in the book, and each gene is a paragraph in the chapter. Together, it all has a meaning. But lets say you had to turn off a gene, the equivalent of making that break in the DNA would be like tearing the page through that paragraph. So, the simplest thing the cell can do and will try to do is to simply tape that tear back up. But as you can imagine, sometimes you tape it back up and its fine, the paragraph is still legible and the meaning is still there, and it eventually heals and functions like it did before. But in this case, thats actually not what you want. The outcome that you want with CRISPR is that you actually want to turn off the gene, not to rip it and make it the way it was before.

What has to happen is when you make the tear, the tear is so rough, you get those jagged edges and you try to tape it up but it doesnt quite fit, the letters dont quite match up. You tape it up as best as you can but its illegible, some letters are lost, and the meaning of the paragraph is lost. Thats exactly what happens with gene editing, the cell tries to repair that break in the DNA, doesnt get it quite right, and loses some bases and that messes up the gene and turns it off.

However, in this scenario, you cant really control what happens. All you can hope for is that that tear you make is going to mess up the gene and thats okay if all youre trying to do is turn it off. Most of the trials underway now are about turning off the gene, and theyre all taking advantage of the fact that its relatively easy to mess up genes and turn off genes. Just like tearing a page its crude, but its effective.

Theres CRISPR 1.0, this first generation of the technology thats not very precise and is a bit arduous. What are the newest forms of CRISPR and how are they better than earlier versions of the technology? There is a newer form of the technology called base editing that keeps the GPS function intact but removes the cutting function. In place of the cutting function, it attaches another machine onto CRISPR and makes chemical modifications in certain areas. This version of CRISPR is more like a search and replace. CRISPR provides the search but then another machine attached to it is doing the replacing. With base editing you can make more precise changes, but only rarely will it make exactly the type of change you want.

The latest form of CRISPR is called prime editing, and we still dont have a good sense of how well it works because its so new. Whats tantalizing is that it looks like it can turn CRISPR into a precise word processor or an eraser that allows you to erase a letter and put in a new letter. CRISPR is very much a wave of technology, and as it gets better, its going to allow us to do more and more powerful things.

There are some extreme ideas about what CRISPR can do. Some believe scientists can use the technology to alter hair or eye color or give patients superhuman athletic or intellectual abilities. Is any of this possible with CRISPR?It depends on what traits youre talking about changing. Since eye color and hair color are controlled by single genes, you could possibly make a single gene change with CRISPR. The problem is, how do you get CRISPR to go where it needs to go to change your hair or eye color? How do you get it into all your hair follicles or through all the cells in your eye? It might be a simpler change to make, but it might not be easy to do in a live adult. Scientists have now edited human embryos, resulting in live-born people. Theres been a lot of ethical debate about whether thats a good thing. If you want to change something like hair color in a single cell embryo made through in-vitro fertilization, thats a bit different and might not be as difficult.

There are some very complicated things, like intelligence or athletic ability, that are not going to be easy to change. Youd probably have to change hundreds of genes, and thats not going to happen anytime soon. With CRISPR as it is now, maybe you can change one gene; maybe if you really work at it you can change two genes, but hundreds of genes? Youre not going to be able to do that with CRISPR anytime soon.

What has CRISPR been used to treat so far and what could it be used for in the future?There are multiple trials underway to treat rare liver disorders. More recently CRISPR has been used in clinical trials at Penn where at least three patients have been dosed using CAR T immunotherapy. In this case, theyre trying to make patients cells more effective at fighting cancer. But again, that editing is being done outside the body.

There are some things that seem like they would be difficult to treat, but if its the right type of disease and you can get CRISPR to where you need it to go, it might work. One example is in sickle cell disease. The cells that you need to fix in sickle cell disease are in the bone marrow. Fortunately, bone marrow is relatively straight forward to work with. You take the cells out and edit them with some form of CRISPR outside of the body and then put them back in.

Something like cystic fibrosis would be much harder because it affects the entire surface of potentially multiple organs inside the body. Its much harder to deliver CRISPR to all of those places in the body.

There are two other clinical trials that have started in the U.S. One is from a company called CRISPR Therapeutics to treat sickle cell disease and similar blood disorders. Theres another trial underway to treat a genetic form of blindness and this editing would actually happen inside the body.

Follow this link:
Q&A: Everything You Need to Know About the Future of CRISPR-Cas9 - Philadelphia magazine

Now is a great time to have biotech stocks in your portfolio. While biotech investing can be scary, because the small-cap companies are often unprofitable research-and-development labs, this is also where a lot of the cutting-edge science is happening.

Let's see how Mirati Therapeutics (NASDAQ:MRTX), Iovance Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ:IOVA), and Personalis (NASDAQ:PSNL) are all using gene therapy in the fight against cancer.

Image source: Getty Images.

Mirati Therapeutics is in a race with Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) to find a drug that successfully inhibits KRAS mutations. KRAS is a gene in our bodies that has been identified as a cause of multiple cancers. Right now one of Mirati's drugs is targeting a specific sub-mutation identified as KRAS G12C. This genetic malfunction is seen in 14% of non-small cell lung cancers, 5% of colon cancers, and 2% of pancreatic cancers. The company's drug is an attempt to shut down this mutated gene so it will stop producing cancer cells.

Investors who want to play it safe might want to invest in Amgen, not Mirati; Amgen is also pursuing drugs to inhibit the KRAS mutations. However, Amgen is a highly profitable, $130 billion megacap biotech with multiple drugs in clinical trials. If its KRAS program fails, Amgen's stock will take a minor hit and the company will continue onwards and upwards. On the other hand, if Amgen and Mirati are both right about the importance of KRAS genes, then Mirati shareholders are likely to see far bigger returns on their investments. With the smaller biotech, the risk is higher but the rewards are greater.

Mirati is a $4 billion small cap with extensive knowledge of KRAS. Failure here would be brutal to the stock. On the other hand, any success would boost the stock into the stratosphere. So far, investors in Mirati have been winning big. Amgen has returned 56% to investors over the last five years, slightly underperforming the S&P 500, but tiny Mirati has returned 523%.

Iovance Biotherapeutics is introducing a novel way to fight against cancer. The company relies upon medicine that is specialized for each patient. When a cancer starts attacking your body, your system starts producing lymphocytes that are designed to infiltrate and attack the tumor. Cancer cells adopt and mutate to avoid destruction.

What Iovance does is remove some of these cancer-fighting agents, referred to as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), from your body. The company's technology amplifies and multiplies these cells in the lab, creating billions of them. Then your own cancer-fighting agents are injected back into your body.

Iovance is running a phase 3 trial trial for Lifileucel, its treatment for skin cancer. But what's causing the most excitement is LN-145, which is being tested on multiple cancers. The company is running a phase 3 trial for cervical cancer, and a phase 2 trial for head and neck cancers. Also, MD Anderson Cancer Network is running a phase 2 test on LN-145 for ovarian cancer and sarcoma.

The stock took off after it was reported that LN-145 had a 44% overall response rate against cervical cancer, and Lifileucel had a 38% overall response rate against melanoma. Iovance is a $2.72 billion small cap. It has $400 million in cash, $12 million in debt, and no revenue. So far in 2019 it's returned 132% to investors.

Personalis is developing the NeXT platform, a hugely ambitious undertaking that is mapping approximately 20,000 genes in the human body. Spun out of Stanford University, the company has a contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The federal agency is providing it the DNA information of over 775,000 veterans, so with this data, Personalis is mapping over 15 billion human genes. With all these volunteers, it's developing a massive library of genetic data. Biotechs that subscribe to its service can access this information as they design cancer-fighting drugs in the lab.

The company's immediate market is all the biotech companies doing cancer research. Using its library, subscribers can find cancer targets and design specific drugs to suppress the mutating genes that spread cancer in human beings. Right now Personalis has over 45 biopharma subscribers to its service. The company estimates this is a $5 billion market opportunity.

Next year Personalis hopes to compete in the $14 billion market of cancer diagnostics. It will offer its own liquid biopsy designed to detect cancer, and compete with Guardant Health (NASDAQ:GH), as well as NantHealth, Grail (a start-up funded in part by Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates), Thrive (a start-up spun out of Johns Hopkins), and others. We don't yet know how much Personalis will charge for its biopsy, or how successful it will be.

But what we do know is that right now the company is a lot cheaper than its market-leading peer:

Data source: Bloomberg and Yahoo Finance. P/S = price to sales; IPO = initial public offering.

The market appears to be taking a wait-and-see attitude toward Personalis; certainly there's no excitement right now about its shares. That might change when its liquid biopsy is introduced next year.

In the meantime, Personalis is developing a very impressive library of knowledge of the human genome. Maybe one day the company will be competing with 23andme to provide personalized medicine to individuals (a market estimated to be worth $40 billion). It's definitely a stock to keep an eye on, as the future looks bright.

See the rest here:
3 Cancer Treatment Stocks to Buy Right Now - Motley Fool

Graph 1

Vectra Predicts Risk of Radiographic Progression in 1 Year

Myriad Genetics, Inc.

Graph 2

Vectra Predicts Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with RA

Myriad Genetics, Inc.

SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 09, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MYGN), a global leader in precision medicine, announced that its Myriad Autoimmune business unit will present new data on the Vectra test at the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting being held Nov. 8-13, 2019 in Atlanta, GA. The key findings are that the Vectra test predicts the risk of radiographic progression (RP) within one year, and the Vectra score, in combination with other clinical measures, predicts the risk of a cardiovascular (CV) event in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

A hallmark feature ofrheumatoid arthritisisinflammation, which increases the risk of joint damage, cardiovascular disease and other comorbidities, said Elena Hitraya, M.D., Ph.D., rheumatologist and chief medical officer at Myriad Autoimmune. The data being presented by our academic collaborators at ACR show that the Vectra test accurately measures inflammation and can help predict patients risk of adverse health outcomes, enabling clinicians to tailor precision treatment plans to achieve better outcomes.

Vectra Posters

Title:Predicting Risk of Radiographic Progression for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.Presenter:Jeff Curtis, M.D., M.S., MPH, University of Alabama at Birmingham.Date:Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. 9:00-11:00 a.m.Location:Poster 466.

This study evaluated the ability of the Vectra test to predict patients individual percentage risk of RP within one year. The analysis included combined data from 973 patients in four cohorts. The results demonstrate that the adjusted Vectra score was a superior predictor of RP within one year compared to DAS28-CRP, CRP, CDAI and swollen joint count. Additionally, the risk of permanent joint damage increased continuously with the adjusted Vectra score, meaning patients with a low adjusted Vectra score had a one to three percent risk of RP in one year, while patients with a moderate-to-high score had between seven and 47 percent risk (Graph 1). Based on these new data, the company is working to enhance the Vectra test report to provide patients with their individual risk of radiographic progression in one year.

To view Graph 1: Vectra Predicts Risk of Radiographic Progression in 1 Year,please visit the following link:https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/514919cd-81ca-4084-81df-682fedc1784b

Too often people with RA are over- or under-treated because it is difficult for clinicians to accurately measure inflammation and determine the long-term prognosis of RA patients. As a result, some people are at increased risk of rapid radiographic progression, said Jeff Curtis, M.D., M.S., MPH, lead investigator, rheumatologist and Professor of medicine in the Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. It is critical that clinicians have reliable information when making treatment decisions. Our study demonstrated that the Vectra score was the strongest predictor of radiographic progression, which may help inform treatment plans and prevent future joint damage.

Title:Derivation and Validation of a Biomarker-Based Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Score in Rheumatoid Arthritis.Presenter:Jeff Curtis, M.D., M.S., MPH; University of Alabama at Birmingham.Date:Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019. 9:00-11:00 a.m.Location:Poster 2350.

This study evaluated 30,751 Medicare patients with RA to develop and validate the Vectra CVD score, which predicts risk for a first cardiovascular (CV) event by combining data from Vectra and clinical measures. The primary CV outcome was a composite of three types of CV events heart attack, stroke, and CV death occurring within 3 years from testing. When the performance of the Vectra CVD score was compared to four other CV prediction models, the Vectra CVD score was a significant predictor of CV risk and was superior to all four other models. Importantly, when risk scores were converted to 3-year percentage risk for having a CV event, approximately 80 percent of patients were found to have a moderate or high risk of a CV event over 3 years, based on risk categories analogous to those of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association 2018 guidelines (Graph 2).

To view Graph 2: Vectra Predicts Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with RA, please visit the following link:https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c902b4ec-a3c8-439f-9557-0a9b05631a1f

People with rheumatoid arthritis have almost double the risk of heart attack, stroke and atherosclerosis. Traditional CV risk factors alone do not fully explain the increased rates of CV events in RA, and inflammation is a missing component that is measured by the Vectra test, said Dr. Curtis. In this study, the Vectra CVD score effectively predicted CV risk in people with RA. We believe the Vectra CVD score may assist clinicians to more quickly identify patients at high risk for CV events and target interventions that can be potentially life-saving.

The company plans to publish these new data in peer reviewed medical journal and make the Vectra CVD score available to clinicians in fiscal year 2020. Please visit Myriad Autoimmune at booth #1419 to learn more about Vectra. Follow Myriad on Twitter via @myriadgenetics and follow meeting news by using the hashtag #ACR19.

About VectraVectra is a multi-biomarker molecular blood test that provides an objective and personalized measure of inflammatory disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Vectra provides unsurpassed ability to predict radiographic progression and can help guide medical management decisions with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Vectra testing is performed at a state-of-the-art CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) facility. Test results are reported to the physician five to seven days from shipping of the specimen. Physicians can receive test results by fax or the private web portal, VectraView. For more information on Vectra, please visit: http://www.vectrascore.com.

About Myriad GeneticsMyriad Genetics Inc. is a leading precision medicine company dedicated to being a trusted advisor transforming patient lives worldwide with pioneering molecular diagnostics. Myriad discovers and commercializes molecular diagnostic tests that: determine the risk of developing disease, accurately diagnose disease, assess the risk of disease progression, and guide treatment decisions across six major medical specialties where molecular diagnostics can significantly improve patient care and lower healthcare costs. Myriad is focused on five critical success factors: building upon a solid hereditary cancer foundation, growing new product volume, expanding reimbursement coverage for new products, increasing RNA kit revenue internationally and improving profitability with Elevate 2020. For more information on how Myriad is making a difference, please visit the Company's website: http://www.myriad.com.

Myriad, the Myriad logo, BART, BRACAnalysis, Colaris, Colaris AP, myPath, myRisk, Myriad myRisk, myRisk Hereditary Cancer, myChoice, myPlan, BRACAnalysis CDx, Tumor BRACAnalysis CDx, myChoice HRD, EndoPredict, Vectra, GeneSight, riskScore, Prolaris, Foresight and Prequel are trademarks or registered trademarks of Myriad Genetics, Inc. or its wholly owned subsidiaries in the United States and foreign countries. MYGN-F, MYGN-G.

Safe Harbor StatementThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the Company presenting new data on the Vectra test at the 2019 ACR Annual Meeting; the Vectra test enabling clinicians to tailor precision treatment plans to achieve better outcomes; the Vectra score helping inform treatment plans and prevent future joint damage; the Vectra CVD score assisting clinicians to more quickly identify patients at high risk for CV events and target interventions that can be potentially life-saving; publishing these new data in peer reviewed medical journal; making the Vectra CVD score available to clinicians in fiscal year 2020; and the Company's strategic directives under the caption "About Myriad Genetics." These "forward-looking statements" are based on management's current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the risk that sales and profit margins of our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services may decline; risks related to our ability to transition from our existing product portfolio to our new tests, including unexpected costs and delays; risks related to decisions or changes in governmental or private insurers reimbursement levels for our tests or our ability to obtain reimbursement for our new tests at comparable levels to our existing tests; risks related to increased competition and the development of new competing tests and services; the risk that we may be unable to develop or achieve commercial success for additional molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services in a timely manner, or at all; the risk that we may not successfully develop new markets for our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services, including our ability to successfully generate revenue outside the United States; the risk that licenses to the technology underlying our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services and any future tests and services are terminated or cannot be maintained on satisfactory terms; risks related to delays or other problems with operating our laboratory testing facilities and our healthcare clinic; risks related to public concern over genetic testing in general or our tests in particular; risks related to regulatory requirements or enforcement in the United States and foreign countries and changes in the structure of the healthcare system or healthcare payment systems; risks related to our ability to obtain new corporate collaborations or licenses and acquire new technologies or businesses on satisfactory terms, if at all; risks related to our ability to successfully integrate and derive benefits from any technologies or businesses that we license or acquire; risks related to our projections about our business, results of operations and financial condition; risks related to the potential market opportunity for our products and services; the risk that we or our licensors may be unable to protect or that third parties will infringe the proprietary technologies underlying our tests; the risk of patent-infringement claims or challenges to the validity of our patents or other intellectual property; risks related to changes in intellectual property laws covering our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services and patents or enforcement in the United States and foreign countries, such as the Supreme Court decision in the lawsuit brought against us by the Association for Molecular Pathology et al; risks of new, changing and competitive technologies and regulations in the United States and internationally; the risk that we may be unable to comply with financial operating covenants under our credit or lending agreements; the risk that we will be unable to pay, when due, amounts due under our credit or lending agreements; and other factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in Item 1A of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as any updates to those risk factors filed from time to time in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Myriad undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

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New Studies Demonstrate the Predictive Value of the Vectra Test in People Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis - GlobeNewswire