SALT LAKE CITY, March 26, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:MYGN - News) reported today that the Supreme Court of the United States remanded the case of The Association for Molecular Pathology, et al., v. Myriad Genetics, Inc., et al (Docket No. 11-725) to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. As a result of this decision by the Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit will reconsider their decision dated July 29, 2011, which upheld Myriad's gene patents. In that decision, the Federal Circuit declared that the composition of matter claims covering isolated DNA of the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes are patent-eligible under Section 101 of the United States Patent Act.

"While, this case should not have any direct impact to Myriad and its operations because of our extensive patent estate, it has great importance to the medical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other commercial industries, as well as the hundreds of millions of people whose lives are bettered by the products these industries develop based on the promise of strong patent protection," said Peter Meldrum, President and CEO of Myriad Genetics. "Thus, we are prepared to vigorously defend the patent claims granted to Myriad by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and believe that we will be successful."

Importantly, Myriad's intellectual property for the BRACAnalysis(R) test is strong with 23 issued patents and approximately 500 claims, including approximately 245 composition of matter claims and 240 method claims. Only 15 claims are at issue in this case; the rest of the claims remain in full force and effect providing Myriad with extensive patent protection.

Myriad is committed to researching and commercializing innovative molecular diagnostics tests, such as the BRACAnalysis test, to assess a person's risk of developing disease, guide treatment decisions and help improve patients' quality of life. As such, the Company plans to continue its strong commitment to promoting women's health in the areas of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, advancing and fostering research on the BRCA genes, and providing excellent patient access to its test, including offering financial assistance programs to qualifying individuals.

It is important to correct some common misconceptions on the societal impact of "gene" patents; namely that such patents impede research, result in high-cost testing and takeaway a patient's option for confirmatory testing. Myriad believes that statements made to these points in the public press are incorrect. To set the record straight,

Brian M. Poissant, Gregory A. Castanias, Laura A. Coruzzi, Eileen Falvey and Sasha Mayergoyz and other members of the law firm of Jones Day represented Myriad in this matter.

About Myriad Genetics

Myriad Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:MYGN - News) is a leading molecular diagnostic company dedicated to developing and marketing transformative tests to assess a person's risk of developing disease, guide treatment decisions and assess a patient's risk of disease progression and disease recurrence. Myriad's portfolio of nine molecular diagnostic tests are based on an understanding of the role genes play in human disease and were developed with a focus on improving an individual's decision making process for monitoring and treating disease. With fiscal year 2011 annual revenue of over $400 million and more than 1,100 employees, Myriad is working on strategic directives, including new product introductions, companion diagnostics, and international expansion, to take advantage of significant growth opportunities. For more information on how Myriad is making a difference, please visit the Company's website: http://www.myriad.com.

Myriad, the Myriad logo, BRACAnalysis, Colaris, Colaris AP, Melaris, TheraGuide, Prezeon, OnDose, Panexia and Prolaris are trademarks or registered trademarks of Myriad Genetics, Inc. in the United States and foreign countries. MYGN-G

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Supreme Court of the United States Remands Gene Patenting Case

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