Myriad Genetics (MYGN) and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center said Tuesday that they formed a five-year strategic alliance to accelerate the clinical evaluation and development of Myriad's molecular residual disease, or MRD, assay.

Under the terms of the deal, the parties will collaborate to design studies that will assess the test's utility in breast, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and gynecological cancers, according to the statement.

Myriad said it will provide funding, MRD testing, and scientific research support, while MD Anderson will head the patient enrollment, sample collection, clinical data analysis and manuscript writing for the studies.

Myriad Genetics shares were up more than 4% in recent trading.

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