Event Marks One-Year Anniversary of US Supreme Court Decision to Ban Human Gene Patenting
ME NewsWire/Business Wire
SAN DIEGO - Wednesday, June 18th 2014
Pathway Genomics Corporation, a San Diego-based CLIA and CAP accredited clinical laboratory that offers genetic testing services globally, last week co-hosted a fundraiser benefiting Susan G. Komen. Jim Plante, founder and CEO of Pathway Genomics, and Ryan Kavanaugh, CEO of Relativity, were the hosts of the event, titled Pathway to the Cure. The fundraiser, held in Santa Monica, California, raised more than $300,000 through generous donations made by attendees of the event.
“We’re working with Susan G. Komen to help spread awareness about breast cancer, and to help as many women as we can in the battle against this disease,” said Plante. “We’re truly working to save lives, and ultimately prevent breast cancer forever.”
Attended by notable celebrities, such as Adrian Grenier and Sophia Bush, the event’s entertainment for the evening was provided by DJ Zen Freeman and DJ Nikki Pennie, and included a musical performance by world-renowned artist Kesha, whose hits include “Tik Tok,” and the wildly popular “Timber,” a collaboration with rapper Pitbull.
“This was an extraordinary event. We are grateful for the commitment and generosity of supporters such as Relativity and Pathway Genomics that will help us save lives in California and around the world, ” said Susan G. Komen president and CEO, Judith A. Salerno, M.D., M.S.
The fundraiser comes at the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to ban the patenting of naturally occurring genes, such as BRCA, the gene linked to breast cancer. “We firmly believe that genetic testing for the risk of breast cancer is every person’s right and should not be overpriced and monopolized by massive corporations,” said Plante. “Pathway’s BRCA test price and our BRCA One for One program is a testament to this dedication to serve those who cannot afford this potentially life-saving test.”
Earlier this month, Pathway Genomics launched its next-generation sequencing and deletion/duplication analysis, BRCATrueTM, which can detect mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, the genes linked to breast, ovarian and other types of cancer. BRCATrue has a sensitivity of >99.99% and the broadest coverage across BRCA1/2 in the industry. To enhance the accessibility of the test, the company also launched the first-of-its-kind BRCA One for OneTM program – for every qualified BRCATrue test ordered, one test is donated to a person in need through patient advocacy organizations, up to $10 million of free testing.
To learn more about BRCATrue, visit www.pathway.com/brcatrue. For more details about the BRCA One for One program, visit www.brcaoneforone.com.
About Pathway Genomics Corporation As a CLIA and CAP accredited clinical laboratory based in San Diego, California, Pathway Genomics provides physicians and their patients with actionable and accurate genetic information to improve or maintain health and wellness. Since its founding in 2008, Pathway Genomics has become known for its dedication to innovation and commitment to medical responsibility – making it a leader in the commercial genetic testing industry. Pathway Genomics’ testing services cover a variety of conditions including cancer risk, cardiac health, inherited diseases, nutrition and exercise response, as well as drug response for specific medications including those used in pain management and mental health. For more about Pathway Genomics, visit www.pathway.com.
About Susan G. Komen Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $800 million in research and provided $1.7 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/susangkomen and Twitter @SusanGKomen.
About Relativity Relativity (relativitymedia.com) is a next-generation global media company engaged in multiple aspects of content production and distribution, including movies, television, fashion, sports, digital and music. More than just a collection of entertainment-related businesses, Relativity is a content engine with the ability to leverage each of these business units, independently and together, to create content across all mediums, giving hundreds of millions of users worldwide what they want, when they want it.
Relativity Studios, the company’s largest division, has produced, distributed or structured financing for more than 200 motion pictures, generating more than $17 billion in worldwide box-office revenue and earning 60 Oscar nominations. Relativity’s films include Oculus, Safe Haven, Act of Valor, Immortals, Limitless, and The Fighter. Upcoming releases include Earth to Echo and author Nicholas Sparks’ The Best of Me.
Contacts
Pathway Genomics Corporation
Zak Pugh, 858-217-4358
pr@pathway.com
www.pathway.com
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