Rosetta Genomics Identifies Potential MicroRNA Biomarkers In Blood Serum

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 06 Sep 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDQ: ROSG), a leader in the development of microRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic products, announced that the results of a study conducted by its scientists describing the identification of microRNA biomarkers in blood serum, have been published online in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One. The findings demonstrate that microRNAs have the potential to be used as clinical biomarkers for a wide range of indications in cancer and women's health.

Using its proprietary extraction and quantification methods, Rosetta Genomics is now advancing the development of a blood-based test which will utilize microRNAs to detect patients with colon cancer.

"This study further validates our understanding that microRNAs may be used as clinical biomarkers for a wide range of indications, both through invasive and non-invasive methods," noted Dr. Dalia Cohen, Chief Scientific Officer of Rosetta Genomics. "The results of this study are the basis of one of our development programs to detect colon cancer via microRNAs identified in serum. I believe our strong scientific capabilities will continue to produce exciting studies, which we will share once available."

The paper, "Serum MicroRNAs are Promising Novel Biomarkers" is now available on PLOS One website on http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0003148

About microRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recently discovered, naturally occurring, small RNAs that act as master regulators and have the potential to form the basis for a new class of diagnostics and therapeutics. MicroRNAs have been shown to have different expression profiles in various pathological conditions. As a result, these differences may provide for a novel diagnostic strategy for many diseases.

About Rosetta Genomics

Rosetta Genomics (Nasdaq: ROSG) is a leader in the field of microRNA. 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 and therapeutic tools, focusing primarily on cancer and various women's health indications. The first test based on the company's technology, differentiating squamous from non squamous non small cell lung cancer, is now approved through Columbia University Medical Center's High Complexity Molecular Pathology Laboratory. In Addition, the company expects two additional microRNA diagnostic tests applying its technology will be validated and submitted for regulatory approval by licensed clinical laboratories in the United States in 2008.

Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

Various statements in this release concerning Rosetta's future expectations, plans and prospects, including without limitation, statements relating to the potential of microRNAs extracted from blood to serve as effective biomarkers for a wide range of indications, including colon cancer, the role of microRNAs in human physiology and disease, the potential of microRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, and the timing of launch of the first diagnostic tests applying Rosetta's microRNA technology 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 and develop novel diagnostics and therapeutic tools, which is unproven and may never lead to marketable products or services; Rosetta's ability to fund and the results of further pre-clinical and clinical trials; Rosetta's ability to obtain, maintain and protect the intellectual property utilized by Rosetta's products; Rosetta's ability to enforce its patents against infringers and to defend its patent portfolio against challenges from third parties; Rosetta's 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, all of which are in early stages of development; 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, 2007 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 Ltd
http://www.rosettagenomics.com