Interpace Diagnostics has signed a national contract with Aetna for its ThyGenX and ThyraMIR assays, a combination of molecular tests for assessing indeterminate thyroid nodules. The company also announced that Premera Blue Cross will cover ThyraMIR. ThyGenX is an oncogene panel that uses next-generation sequencing to identify more than 100 genetic mutations across eight genes associated with papillary carcinoma and follicular carcinoma. ThyraMIR is a microRNA gene expression classifier and measures the expression of 10 microRNAs that regulate expression of cancer genes. When used in combination, the tests determine the presence of cancer in thyroid nodules, potentially resulting in up to an 85% reduction in unnecessary surgeries.

The agreement with Aetna covers many of its products such as commercial and Medicare Advantage plans, and will bring Interpace into Aetna’s laboratory network for thyroid services. Furthermore, the addition of Premera’s members means that ThyraMIR will be covered for more than 250 million patients in the U.S. across a variety of plans.