PRINCETON, N.J. & REHOVOT, Israel
Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, announces that the Company received a Notice of Allowance from the Japan Patent Office (JPO) for Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-512601, which relates to human miR-92b. The composition of matter patent to be issued claims the sequence of miR-92b and its complement, as well as its use as a probe, including in biochips. miR-92b has been shown to be elevated in cancer and is a key element of the Company’s lead oncology diagnostic, the Rosetta Cancer Origin Test™ (COT).
The claims allowed cover an isolated nucleic acid having the sequence of human miR-92b and its complement, as well as to variants being at least 90% identical to miR-92b. In addition, the allowed claims encompass a vector and a probe comprising miR-92b, a composition and a biochip comprising probes specific to miR-92b.
“The extension of our patent protection to cover composition of matter for our oncology diagnostics in Japan demonstrates our commitment to broadly protect our proprietary microRNA technology platform,” noted Kenneth A. Berlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rosetta Genomics. “It also supports our comprehensive oncology strategy for the worldwide development and commercialization of microRNA-based diagnostics, therapeutics and biomarkers that can enhance clinicians’ ability to identify and treat cancers and we look forward to monetizing this latest addition to our patent estate through licenses or partnerships in Japan, a significant market for oncology diagnostics and therapeutics.”
“We continue to protect and build upon our leading intellectual property position in microRNA technology and this newly allowed patent expands, strengthens and complements our growing portfolio of over 40 patents worldwide,” added Mr. Berlin.
About Rosetta Cancer Testing Services
Rosetta Cancer Tests are a series of microRNA-based diagnostic testing services offered by Rosetta Genomics. The Cancer Origin Test can accurately identify the primary tumor type in primary and metastatic cancer including cancer of unknown or uncertain primary (CUP). The Rosetta Lung Cancer Test™ accurately identifies the four main subtypes of lung cancer using small amounts of tumor cells. The Rosetta Kidney Cancer Test™ accurately classifies the four most common kidney tumors: clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC and oncocytoma. Rosetta’s assays are designed to provide objective diagnostic data; it is the treating physician’s responsibility to diagnose and administer the appropriate treatment. In the U.S. alone, Rosetta Genomics estimates that 200,000 patients a year may benefit from the Rosetta Cancer Origin Test™, 65,000 from the Rosetta Kidney Cancer Test™ and 226,000 patients from the Rosetta Lung Cancer Test™. The Company’s assays are offered directly by Rosetta Genomics in the U.S., and through distributors around the world. For more information, please visit www.rosettagenomics.com. Parties interested in ordering the test can contact Rosetta Genomics at (215) 382-9000.
About Rosetta Genomics
Founded in 2000, Rosetta’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 is working on the application of these technologies in the development and commercialization of a full range of microRNA-based diagnostic tools and therapeutics. Rosetta currently commercializes a full range of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics. Rosetta’s cancer testing services are commercially available through its Philadelphia-based CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified lab. For more information, 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, Rosetta’s Cancer of Origin Test™, Rosetta’s development or commercialization of molecular diagnostics, prognostic or therapeutic services or tools, Rosetta’s monetizing its intellectual property estate, and specifically this new allowed patent in Japan in any way and Rosetta’s development of personalized medicine products and services, 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 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, 2013 as filed with the SEC. 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.
CONTACT
Rosetta Genomics:
Ken Berlin, 609-419-9003
President &
CEO
investors@rosettagenomics.com
or
Rosetta
Genomics Investors:
LHA
Anne Marie Fields, 212-838-3777
afields@lhai.com
or
Bruce
Voss, 310-691-7100
bvoss@lhai.com