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Reimbursement for Rosetta Genomicsa? miRviewa" mets Test Now Available in Israel Through Worlda?s Second Largest HMO

^{Published on 2010-06-28 06:13:09 - Market Wire}
 

REHOVOT, Israel & PHILADELPHIA--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDAQ:ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostic tests, announced today that Clalit Health Services, Israela™s largest and the worlda™s second largest health maintenance organization (HMO), has established a reimbursement coverage policy for Rosetta Genomicsa™ miRviewa" mets test. Initially, reimbursement will be provided to patients participating in a clinical study being conducted at three medical centers in Israel, with plans to expand reimbursement for the test to all Clalit members.

"We are especially pleased to have Clalit initiate its reimbursement policy for our miRview mets test for metastatic cancer where the primary site is unknown. Accurately identifying the primary cancer is critical to determining the most beneficial treatment protocol and achieving the best patient outcomes"

Clalit Health Services provides medical care to more than 50% of Israela™s population; it operates 14 hospitals, more than 1,300 clinics and approximately 400 pharmacies.

aWe are especially pleased to have Clalit initiate its reimbursement policy for our miRview mets test for metastatic cancer where the primary site is unknown. Accurately identifying the primary cancer is critical to determining the most beneficial treatment protocol and achieving the best patient outcomes,a noted Kenneth A. Berlin, President and CEO of Rosetta Genomics. aClalit Health Services is known for early identification and adoption of diagnostic tests that can enhance patient care and optimize the resources needed for better patient management.a

About miRviewa" mets

miRviewa" mets leverages Rosetta Genomicsa™ proprietary microRNA technologies to assign a primary site to metastases in cases where the physician is unsure of its origin. The test, which included more than 850 samples in its development and validation, uses two classifiers that independently look for a primary origin. In a recently published study described in Modern Pathology, the overall sensitivity of this test was approximately 85%, and the sensitivity of a single answer prediction was approximately 90%. Overall specificity was 97% to 99%.

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 miRviewa" Products

miRviewa" products are a series of microRNA-based diagnostic tests developed by Rosetta Genomics. miRviewa" mets accurately identifies the primary tumor site in metastatic cancer and Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) patients. miRviewa" squamous accurately identifies the squamous subtype of NSCLC, which carries an increased risk of severe or fatal internal bleeding and poor response to treatment for certain targeted therapies. miRviewa" meso diagnoses mesothelioma, a cancer connected to asbestos exposure, from other carcinomas in the lung and pleura. This test can be used to rule out mesothelioma in patients diagnosed with a tumor in the lung or pleura, who may have been exposed to asbestos in the past. miRviewa" tests are designed to provide objective diagnostic data; it is the treating physiciana™s responsibility to diagnose and administer the appropriate treatment. The companya™s tests are now being offered through distributors around the globe. For more information, please visit [ www.mirviewdx.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 plans to reimburse the MiRview mets test for all Clalit members, 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.