Rosetta Genomics Identifies 49 Novel microRNAs with Potential to Provide Novel Molecular Biomarkers and Drug Target Candidates
REHOVOT, Israel & PHILADELPHIA--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostic tests, announces the publication of a study entitled, aDiscovery of microRNAs and other small RNAs in solid tumors,a in the online edition of Nucleic Acid Research. The article was authored by Rosetta Genomics scientists including Dr. Eti Meiri and Einat Sitbon, and is available at the following URL:
"Discovery of microRNAs and other small RNAs in solid tumors"
[ http://nar.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/gkq376 ]
aOur discovery of these new microRNAs gives us direct and exclusive access to 49 novel microRNAs, each one of which has the potential to be, alone or in combination with other microRNAs, a diagnostic biomarker, response biomarker or drug target. In addition, we have filed patent applications on each of these newly discovered microRNAs to enhance our expanding IP portfolio,a stated Kenneth A. Berlin, President and CEO of Rosetta Genomics.
aSo far this year, we have had six peer-reviewed articles published on our microRNA technology. These publications are a further demonstration of how Rosetta Genomics is maintaining a leadership position in the development of microRNAs for personalized medicine applications.a The comprehensive database and proprietary technologies we have developed over the years are significant assets that allow us to lead in this area. They enable us to efficiently identify, extract, and quantify microRNAs, and transform them into commercially viable diagnostics, response biomarkers and therapeutics. This unrivaled set of capabilities allows us to harness the power of microRNAs as we work to improve healthcare worldwide,a added Mr. Berlin.
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. The unique advantage of microRNAs 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 tissue and fine needle aspirate (FNA) cell blocks. It has been suggested that their small size (19 to 21 nucleotides) enables them to remain intact in FFPE blocks, as opposed to messenger RNA (mRNA), which tends to degrade rapidly. 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 Rosetta Genomics
Rosetta Genomics is a leading developer of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics. Founded in 2000, the companya™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 patent 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 companya™s first three microRNA-based tests, miRviewa" squamous, miRviewa" mets and miRviewa" meso, are commercially available through its Philadelphia-based CAP accredited, CLIA-certified lab. Rosetta Genomics is the 2008 winner of the Wall Street Journala™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 Rosettaa™s future expectations, plans and prospects, including without limitation, statements relating to the potential of the newly discovered microRNAs to be diagnostic biomarkers or drug targets, the role of microRNAs in human physiology and disease, and 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: Rosettaa™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; Rosettaa™s ability to obtain, maintain and protect its intellectual property; Rosettaa™s ability to enforce its patents against infringers and to defend its patent portfolio against challenges from third parties; Rosettaa™s need and ability to obtain additional funding to support its business activities; Rosettaa™s dependence on third parties for development, manufacture, marketing, sales, and distribution of products; Rosettaa™s ability to successfully develop its products and services; Rosettaa™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 Rosettaa™s technology; competition from others using technology similar to Rosettaa™s and others developing products for similar uses; Rosettaa™s dependence on collaborators; and Rosettaa™s short operating history; as well as those risks more fully discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of Rosettaa™s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent Rosettaa™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.