Boston University and The Center for Human Genetics, Inc. Announce Change in Testin...( BOSTON Aug. 18 -- Boston Univers...),Health

BOSTON, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Boston University and Aubrey Milunsky, MB.B.Ch, D.Sc., President of the Center for Human Genetics, Inc. ("CHG") and Director of the Center for Human Genetics of Boston University, announced that CHG will no longer offer testing services covered by patents licensed to Athena Diagnostics, Inc.

These patented tests include tests relating to: CADASIL, hearing loss related to A1555G or Connexin 26 mutations, developmental disorders caused by mutation of the ARX gene, Duchene's muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy (DM1), Freidreich's Ataxia (FRDA), hereditary neuropathy with pressure palsies, polycystic kidney disease, spinal muscular atrophy (SMN1), spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8) and tuberous sclerosis (type 2). This decision follows a negotiated settlement agreement with Athena, which had brought the issue to the attention of the University and CHG. Athena has made no objection to, and the settlement does not affect any non-commercial research activities at Boston University.

Much of the technology underlying these testing services was discovered by academic scientists, patented by their respective universities, and licensed to Athena Diagnostics for commercial development of diagnostic testing services. Boston University respects intellectual property rights.

The Center for Human Genetics, Inc. has advised its clients that it will henceforth either forward any future request for an Athena-licensed testing service to Athena for processing, or notify the requesting client that it may procure the services directly from Athena.

Massachusetts-based Athena makes available a wide range of more than 200 testing services, for a variety of neurological, endocrine, and renal disorders with genetic or other etiologies.