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Myriad Genetics Provides Update on Discussions with UnitedHealthcare regarding Medical Policy for Pharmacogenetic Testing

Key Takeaway: Myriad Genetics has provided an update on talks with UnitedHealthcare regarding its updated medical policy that limits access to pharmacogenetic tests, including the GeneSight test. In response to these changes, Myriad has presented additional clinical evidence to support the test's utility and has requested that access be maintained into 2025. CEO Paul J. Diaz expressed the company's hope for a swift resolution while acknowledging the tragic passing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Myriad continues to stand by the clinical validity of GeneSight as it navigates potential financial impacts from the policy change.

Market Sentiment Analysis

POSITIVE FACTORS

  • Myriad Genetics is engaging in constructive dialogue with UnitedHealthcare to support access to the GeneSight test.
  • The GeneSight test is clinically validated and widely used by clinicians for mental health medication management.
  • Myriad is confident in the clinical utility of GeneSight, supported by additional clinical data and peer-reviewed research.

CONCERNS & RISKS

  • UnitedHealthcare's updated medical policy restricts access to multi-gene panel pharmacogenetic tests.
  • The uncertainty surrounding continual discussions with UnitedHealthcare may extend into early 2025.

Full Press Release Details

SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MYGN), a leader in genetic testing and precision medicine, today provided an update on its engagement with UnitedHealthcare (UNH) following the Nov 1, 2024 publication of its updated medical policy restricting access to multi-gene panel pharmacogenetic tests, including Myriad’s GeneSight test, under its commercial and individual exchange benefit plans, effective January 1, 2025.
Since the announcement, Myriad has actively engaged in constructive dialogue with UNH regarding the clinical evidence supporting Myriad’s proprietary and clinically differentiated mental health medication test, GeneSight, including presenting additional clinical data to UnitedHealthcare for its further review and consideration. Myriad has requested that UHC enrollees continue to have access to the test in 2025, especially in the primary care setting where a significant majority of antidepressants are prescribed 1.
“Following the tragic death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4th, we extend our deepest condolences to Brian’s family and all employees of UnitedHealthcare. Soon, at the appropriate time, we plan to continue our dialogue with UNH and other key stakeholders,” said Paul J. Diaz, President and CEO, Myriad Genetics. “We desire resolution ahead of year-end, but discussions may extend into early 2025. We remain steadfast in our confidence in the clinical validity and utility of GeneSight, which we believe is supported by clinical evidence, including peer-reviewed research studies.”
During Myriad’s third quarter earnings call held on November 6, 2024, the company provided an estimate of the 2024 financial impact of UNH’s updated medical policy. While Myriad continues to engage with UNH, the company reaffirms this estimate.
About the GeneSight® Psychotropic Test
The GeneSight Psychotropic test from Myriad Genetics is the category-leading pharmacogenomic test for more than 60 medications commonly prescribed for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other psychiatric conditions. The GeneSight test can help inform clinicians about how a patient’s genes may impact how they metabolize and/or respond to certain psychiatric medications. Tens of thousands of clinicians have ordered the GeneSight test for almost three million patients in order to receive genetic information that is unique to each patient. The GeneSight test supplements other information considered by a clinician as part of a comprehensive medical assessment. The clinical validity, clinical utility and economic utility of the GeneSight test have been evaluated in multiple peer-reviewed publications. Learn more at GeneSight.com.
About Myriad Genetics
Myriad Genetics is a leading genetic testing and precision medicine company dedicated to advancing health and well-being for all. Myriad develops and offers genetic tests that help assess the risk of developing disease or disease progression and guide treatment decisions across medical specialties where genetic insights can significantly improve patient care and lower healthcare costs. For more information, visit www.myriad.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the company’s plan to continue its dialogue with UNH and other key stakeholders and the company’s confidence in the clinical validity and utility of GeneSight, which the company believes is supported by clinical evidence, including peer-reviewed research studies. These “forward-looking statements” are management’s expectations of future events as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, conditions, and events to differ materially and adversely from those anticipated. Such factors include those risks described in the company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2024, as well as any updates to those risk factors filed from time to time in the company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. Myriad is not under any obligation, and it expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as required by law.
1 Majtabai R, et al. J Clin Psychiatry. 2008 Jul;69(7):106574.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GeneSight test offered by Myriad Genetics?

The GeneSight test is a pharmacogenomic test for over 60 medications prescribed for mental health conditions.

What recent policy changes did UnitedHealthcare announce?

UnitedHealthcare announced a policy change limiting access to multi-gene panel pharmacogenetic tests, including GeneSight, starting January 1, 2025.

How is Myriad Genetics engaging with UnitedHealthcare?

Myriad Genetics is in discussions with UnitedHealthcare, providing clinical data to support continued access to the GeneSight test.

What impact did UnitedHealthcare's policy have on Myriad's finances?

Myriad Genetics estimates a financial impact from UnitedHealthcare's updated medical policy, which the company continues to assess.

What support does GeneSight provide to clinicians?

GeneSight helps clinicians understand how a patient's genes affect medication metabolism and response.

Last updated: Dec 10, 2024