Rosetta Genomics to Receive Important U.S. Patent for Oncology Therapeutic
February 26 2014 - 8:45AM
Marketwired
Rosetta Genomics to Receive Important U.S. Patent for Oncology
Therapeutic
Will Seek to Monetize This Important Allowed Patent in the Near
Term
PRINCETON, NJ and REHOVOT, ISRAEL--(Marketwired - Feb 26, 2014)
- Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer and
provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, today announced
that the Company received a Notice of Allowance from the United
States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a patent claiming
Mp53-negative cancer patients. The allowed claims for U.S. Patent
Application No. 12/528,690 entitled "Composition and Methods for
Modulating Cell Proliferation and Cell Death," cover a core element
of Rosetta Genomics' microRNA technology in the development of
cancer therapeutics associated with non-small cell lung cancer
(NSCLC) in p53-negative patients. The allowed patent application is
jointly owned with Yeda, the technology transfer company of the
Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel.
The p53 protein is a sequence-specific transcription factor that
functions as a major tumor suppressor in mammals. Inactivation
of the tumor-suppressor function of p53 is one of the most frequent
genetic alterations in human cancer, and close to half of all human
tumors carry p53 gene mutations within their cells.
The patent discloses the finding that miR-34a, which is a direct
transcriptional target of p53, possesses anti-proliferative and
pro-apoptotic activities, thereby contributing to the tumor
suppressor effects of activated p53. Overexpression of miR-34a
exerts anti-proliferative effects and promotes cell death, whereas
inactivation of miR-34a attenuates p53-mediated cell death. Thus,
miR-34a is a direct transcriptional target of p53, which may
mediate some of the biological effects of this tumor suppressor.
Perturbation of miR-34a expression may thus contribute to
tumorigenesis.
"We continue to fortify our leading intellectual property
position in microRNA technology and these newly allowed patent
claims expand, strengthen and complement our growing portfolio of
over 35 patents worldwide," noted Kenneth A. Berlin, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Rosetta Genomics. "This patent is
important as it protects key elements of our microRNA technology to
develop oncology treatments for NSCLC in p53 negative patients and
offers opportunities for monetization. With RNA-based
therapeutics, including microRNA-targeting agents, continuing to
progress in and towards the clinic, this patent allowance should
create opportunities for us to exploit this important new piece of
intellectual property. It also supports our broader oncology
strategy to develop and commercialize microRNA-based diagnostics,
therapeutics and biomarkers that will enhance clinicians' ability
to identify and treat cancers."
About Rosetta Cancer Testing Services Rosetta Cancer Tests are a
series of microRNA-based diagnostic testing services offered by
Rosetta Genomics. The Rosetta Cancer Origin Test™ can accurately
identify the primary tumor type in primary and metastatic cancer
including cancer of unknown or uncertain primary (CUP). Rosetta
Mesothelioma Test™ diagnoses mesothelioma, a cancer connected to
asbestos exposure. 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™, 60,000 from the
Rosetta Mesothelioma 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 ext. 309.
About Rosetta Genomics Rosetta develops and commercializes a
full range of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics. 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. Rosetta's cancer
testing services are commercially available through its
Philadelphia-based CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified lab. Frost
& Sullivan recognized Rosetta Genomics with the 2012 North
American Next Generation Diagnostics Entrepreneurial Company of the
Year Award.
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer Various statements in this
release concerning Rosetta's future expectations, plans and
prospects, including without limitation, the possibility of a
therapeutic based on mimicking mir-34a, in p53-negative cancers,
thus overcoming part of the negative effects of missing this
important tumor suppressor, 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, 2012 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.
Company Contact: Rosetta Genomics Ken Berlin President & CEO
(609) 419-9003 investors@rosettagenomics.com Investor Contacts: LHA
Anne Marie Fields (212) 838-3777 afields@lhai.com or Bruce Voss
(310) 691-7100 bvoss@lhai.com
Rosetta Genomics (CE) (USOTC:ROSGQ)
Historical Stock Chart
From Aug 2024 to Sep 2024
Rosetta Genomics (CE) (USOTC:ROSGQ)
Historical Stock Chart
From Sep 2023 to Sep 2024