MicroRNA First Disclosed By Rosetta Genomics May Increase Efficacy Of Imatinib (Gleevec(R)(1)) In Glioblastoma

Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology;  Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 19 Sep 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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A Collaborative Study by Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science and Scientists at Sheba Medical Center, With the aid of Rosetta Genomics, Demonstrated That Overexpression of miR-451 Inhibited Growth of Glioblastoma (GBM) Cells

- Furthermore, Combining Imatinib (Gleevec(R)), a Targeted Cancer Drug Approved Treatment of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Manufactured by Novartis, With miR-451 had a Synergistic Effect in Inhibiting GBM Growth

- miR-451 was First Disclosed in a Patent Application by Rosetta Genomics and is Currently Under Active Examination

Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDQ: ROSG) announced that a collaborative study published by scientists from the Weizmann Institute of Science and scientists at Sheba Medical Center, with the aid of Rosetta Genomics, has demonstrated that a microRNA first disclosed by the company increased the efficacy of Imatinib (Gleevec(R)) in Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and most aggressive type of primary brain tumor.

"We are excited to be part of this important study led by the renowned scientists from the Weizmann Institute of Science and from the Sheba Medical Center," noted Dr. Dalia Cohen, Chief Scientific Officer at Rosetta Genomics. "MicroRNAs are quickly emerging as major regulators of biological processes and have wide diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Rosetta Genomics' extensive intellectual property portfolio which includes the first ever issued patent relating to microRNAs, as well as patent applications for a large portion of today's known microRNAs, positions us to lead the microRNA space and advance patient care worldwide. Our first microRNA-based products, diagnosing various cancers, are expected to be launched later this year."

In the study, "MIR-451 and Imatinib Mesylate Inhibit the Growth of Glioblastoma Stem Cells", published online in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, scientists demonstrated that overexpressing miR-451 in-vitro caused inhibition of GBM cell growth. In addition, when combining Imatinib (Gleevec(R)), a targeted therapy manufactured by Novartis and approved treatment of CML and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, with miR-451, a synergistic effect has been shown in inhibiting GBM cell proliferation.

Imatinib (Gleevec(R)) is the first approved drug to directly inhibit a protein known to cause a cancer. Several studies have been, and are currently being conducted, to examine the drug's effectiveness in treating GBM.

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. Since many diseases are caused by the abnormal activity of proteins, the ability to selectively regulate protein activity through microRNAs could provide the means to treat a wide range of human diseases. In addition, microRNAs have been shown to have different expression 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 role of microRNAs in human physiology and disease, the potential of microRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, including HIV, and the expected timing of submission for approval and launch of diagnostic tests using our 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 microRNA technology and to work on the application of this technology in the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutic tools, which is unproven and may never lead to marketable 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, 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.

(1) Gleevec is a registered trademark of Novartis

Rosetta Genomics Ltd
http://www.rosettagenomics.com