* This is the third patent issued to Rosetta Genomics covering microRNAs
* The company has received notices of allowance for an additional eight patent
applications related to human microRNAs
REHOVOT, Israel & PHILADELPHIA--(Business Wire)--
Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer of microRNA-based
molecular diagnostics, announced today that the United States Patent and
Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued U.S. Patent No. 7,592,441 to Rosetta
Genomics. The patent relates to human microRNA miR-193b, as well as to
complementary probes and vectors. This is the third patent issued to Rosetta
Genomics by the USPTO. Recently it was shown that downregulation of miR-193b is
associated with progression and invasion of human breast cancer (Li et al.,
Oncogene 2009).
"We are very pleased to add this patent to our growing intellectual property
portfolio," said Ken Berlin, President and CEO. "This recent patent issuance
strengthens and validates our strategy of establishing a broad and integrated IP
portfolio upon which the company is building its microRNA-based diagnostic and
therapeutic discovery engines."
In addition to the three issued patents, Rosetta Genomics has received eight
Notices of Allowance from the USPTO for patent applications related to human
Sanger microRNAs 18b, 20b, 92b, 494, 135b, 527, 196b and 491.
Rosetta Genomics has filed more than 20 patent applications worldwide to protect
each aspect of its commercial diagnostic products. Many of these applications
protect the specific microRNAs used in the company`s products. In addition, the
company is pursuing more than 50 patent applications to protect methods of
detecting microRNAs and methods of diagnosing and treating diseases with
microRNAs.
About microRNAs
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recently discovered, small RNAs that act as master
regulators of protein synthesis, and have been shown to be highly effective
biomarkers. MicroRNAs` unique advantage as biomarkers lies in their high tissue
specificity, and their exceptional stability in the most routine preservation
methods for biopsies, including Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) block.
It has been suggested that their small size (19-21 nucleotides) enables them to
remain intact in FFPE blocks, as opposed to messenger RNA (mRNA), which tends to
rapidly degrade in samples preserved by this method. In addition, early
preclinical data has shown that by controlling the levels of specific microRNAs,
cancer cell growth may be reduced. To learn more about microRNAs, please visit
www.rosettagenomics.com.
About miRview Products
miRview are a series of microRNA-based diagnostic products offered by Rosetta
Genomics. miRview mets accurately identifies the primary tumor site in
metastatic cancer and Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP). miRview squamous
accurately identifies the squamous subtype of non small cell lung cancer
(NSCLC), which carries an increased risk of severe of fatal internal bleeding
and poor response to treatment for certain therapies. miRview meso diagnoses
mesothelioma, a cancer connected to asbestos exposure. miRview tests are
designed to provide objective diagnostic data; it is the treating physician`s
responsibility to diagnose and administer the appropriate treatment. In the US
alone, over 100,000 patients a year may benefit from the miRview mets test,
60,000 from miRview squamous, and 60,000 from miRview meso, with similar numbers
of patients outside the US. The company`s tests are now being offered through
distributors around the globe. For more information, please visit
www.mirviewdx.com.
About Rosetta Genomics
Rosetta Genomics (Nasdaq: ROSG) is a leading developer of microRNA-based
molecular diagnostics. Founded in 2000, the company`s integrative research
platform combining bioinformatics and state-of-the-art laboratory processes has
led to the discovery of hundreds of biologically validated novel human
microRNAs. Building on its strong IP position and proprietary platform
technologies, Rosetta Genomics is working on the application of these
technologies in the development of a full range of microRNA-based diagnostic
tools. The company`s first three microRNA-based tests, miRview squamous, miRview
mets, and miRview meso, are commercially available through its
Philadelphia-based CLIA-certified lab. Rosetta Genomics is the 2008 winner of
Wall Street Journal`s Technology Innovation Awards in the medical/biotech
category. To learn more, please visit www.rosettagenomics.com.
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer
Various statements in this release concerning Rosetta`s future expectations,
plans and prospects, including without limitation, statements relating to the
role and strength of Rosetta`s IP portfolio, the role of microRNAs in human
physiology and disease, the potential of microRNAs in the diagnosis and
treatment of disease, constitute forward-looking statements for the purposes of
the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these
forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including
risks related to: Rosetta`s approach to discover microRNA technology and to work
on the application of this technology in the development of novel diagnostics
and therapeutic tools, which may never lead to commercially accepted products or
services; Rosetta`s ability to obtain, maintain and protect its intellectual
property; Rosetta`s ability to enforce its patents against infringers and to
defend its patent portfolio against challenges from third parties; Rosetta`s
need and ability to obtain additional funding to support its business
activities; Rosetta`s dependence on third parties for development, manufacture,
marketing, sales, and distribution of products; Rosetta`s ability to
successfully develop its candidate tools, products and services; Rosetta`s
ability to obtain regulatory clearances or approvals that may be required for
its products and services; the ability to obtain coverage and adequate payment
from health insurers for the products and services comprising Rosetta`s
technology; competition from others using technology similar to Rosetta`s and
others developing products for similar uses; Rosetta`s dependence on
collaborators; and Rosetta`s short operating history; as well as those risks
more fully discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of Rosetta`s Annual Report on
Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent
Rosetta`s views only as of the date of this release and should not be relied
upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Rosetta does not
assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements unless required
by law.
Rosetta Genomics Company Contact:
Ron Kamienchick, 215-382-9000 ext 318
investors@rosettagenomics.com
or
Investor Contacts:
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Kim Sutton Golodetz, 212-838-3777
kgolodetz@lhai.com
or
Bruce Voss, 310-691-7100
bvoss@lhai.com
Copyright Business Wire 2009
