MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA--(Marketwired - Mar 31, 2017) - Genetic Technologies Limited (
The rationale behind this strategic shift is based on the recognition that gaining adequate payment for BREVAGen plus has become increasingly difficult over the last few years using a traditional payment model. The Company is not alone in this respect, as it is an acknowledged issue for those companies selling molecular diagnostics (MDx) and seeking reimbursement from insurers through a Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) miscellaneous code. The primary issue is that current regulations/laws leave patients with minimum, if any, definition on how much they will be required to pay out of pocket for BREVAGen plus . Ultimately, this lack of fundamental transparency often demotivates patients' and physicians' interest in BREVAGen plus and furthermore, makes the collection of monies for services rendered more difficult. By converting to a direct pay relationship with patients, the Company aims to add certainty to the transaction. This will eliminate current issues being experienced, such as low levels of reimbursement, prolonged payment time, patient confusion around eligibility and financial responsibility, poor coverage, and the need for multiple laboratory locations.
"We are excited to implement this streamlined payment system as it dramatically simplifies the cost side of the equation for patients and makes it easy for physicians and their staff to answer questions regarding cost before sample collection. Additionally, transitioning to a direct patient self-pay program provides us with a defined marketing message for our in-house sales team to disseminate as they increase the number of physicians using BREVAGen plus ," commented Mr. Eutillio Buccilli, Chief Executive Officer of Genetic Technologies Limited. "We have been monitoring the issue of payment for a considerable period of time and have observed how other MDx companies have approached the issue and which ones have been successful in transitioning to a different collection methodology. We are confident that now is the appropriate time to make this change," concluded Mr. Buccilli.
The Company's revamped pricing strategy and numerical determination is the result of an internal review along with an industry analysis conducted by Genetic Technologies to evaluate solutions to improve the profile and ultimately, patient utilisation of BREVAGen plus . Under the patient self-pay program, BREVAGen plus will have a per test list price of USD 349.00, compared to the USD 2,795.00 which is currently presented to medical insurance providers. While the price discrepancy appears large, insurers generally pay a price much lower than list price. Patients, when confronted with the balance, often six to nine months after the test, can understandably become contentious which is typically directed at their physician. The revised BREVAGen plus price is in line with what the Company currently receives on a per test basis and does not alter the Company's view as to the commercial value of BREVAGen plus .
The review that led to the change in the pricing and billing structure for BREVAGen plus has also sharpened the Company's strategy with respect to other areas of its business. For example, the billing model designed for BREVAGen plus can also be applicable to the Company's colorectal cancer (CRC) risk assessment test which is in the latter stages of development.
About Genetic Technologies Limited Genetic Technologies is a molecular diagnostics company that offers cancer predictive testing and assessment tools to help physicians proactively manage patient health. The Company's lead product, BREVAGen plus ®, is a clinically validated risk assessment test for non-hereditary breast cancer and is first in its class. BREVAGen plus is designed to facilitate better informed decisions about breast cancer screening and preventive treatment plans, and is directed towards women aged 35 years or above, who have not had breast cancer and have one or more risk factors for developing breast cancer.
The Company markets BREVAGen plus, through its U.S. subsidiary Phenogen Sciences Inc., to healthcare professionals in comprehensive breast health care and imaging centres, as well as to obstetricians/gynaecologists (OBGYNs) and breast cancer risk assessment specialists (such as breast surgeons). For more information, please visit www.brevagenplus.com and www.phenogensciences.com .
Genetic Technologies is developing a pipeline of risk assessment products including a novel colorectal cancer (CRC) test. For more information, please visit www.gtgcorporate.com
Safe Harbor Statement Any statements in this press release that relate to the Company's expectations are forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act . The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees. Since this information may involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, the Company's actual results may differ materially from expected results. Additional risks associated with Genetic Technologies' business can be found in its periodic filings with the SEC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT Mr. Eutillio Buccilli Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Genetic Technologies Limited + 61 3 8412 7050 Candice Knoll (USA) Blueprint Life Science Group +1 (415) 375 3340, Ext. 4
