NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Pathway Genomics has partnered with the Susan G. Komen organization to fund breast cancer education and outreach programs in five US cities.
Under the partnership, Pathway will sponsor Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure events in San Diego, Los Angeles, Denver, and Seattle, and provide grants for needy women in Washington, DC, where more women die from breast cancer than in any US city. The new pact builds on a partnership announced by the organizations in June to educate women about available screening options for detecting genetic predisposition to cancer.
Earlier in June, Pathway launched BRCATrue, a next-generation sequencing and PCR test for gauging variations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes associated with a heightened risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. The non-invasive saliva-based test is list priced at $1,799. Simultaneous with the test's launch in June, Pathway also introduced the BRCA One for One program, through which the company has pledged to perform a free BRCA test for a woman in need for every "qualified" BRCA test conducted.
When it launched these programs, Pathway indicated that it intended to partner with patient advocacy organizations to educate and reach underserved women who lack access to genetic testing. Pathway has allocated $10 million toward performing free testing through the One for One program for the next two years.
Pathway's BRCA One for One program aligns well with Komen's breast cancer support and education efforts. Last year, for example, Komen funded more than 500,000 screenings for low-income and uninsured women and helped more than 50,000 women pay for treatment, education, and emergency living. Pathway said that it also provides support for Komen's Honoring the Promise event in Washington, DC, to raise funds for area programs and for Komen's annual leadership conference.