Rosetta Genomics and Marina Biotech Establish Strategic Alliance to
Jointly Develop microRNA-Based Diagnostics and Therapeutics for
Rare Diseases
Alliance Combines Industry Leading microRNA Biomarker and Target
Discovery Platform With Proprietary microRNA Drug Discovery
Engine
PRINCETON, NJ and REHOVOT, ISRAEL and BOSTON, MA--(Marketwired -
Apr 2, 2014) - Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading
developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics and
therapeutics, and Marina Biotech, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: MRNA), a
leading nucleic acid-based drug discovery and development company
focused on rare diseases, jointly announced that they had
established a strategic alliance, wherein the companies will
collaborate to identify and develop microRNA-based products
designed to diagnose and treat various neuromuscular diseases and
dystrophies.
The Alliance is exclusive as it relates to neuromuscular
diseases and dystrophies, with both Companies free to develop and
collaborate outside this field both during and after the terms of
the Alliance. The Companies' initial efforts are expected to be
focused on Becker and Duchenne muscular dystrophies as well as
myotonic dystrophy. Financial terms and other details of the
agreement are not being disclosed at this time.
Under the terms of the Alliance, Rosetta will apply its industry
leading microRNA discovery expertise for the identification of
microRNAs involved in the various dystrophy diseases. If the
microRNA is determined to be correlative to the disease, Rosetta
may further develop the microRNA into a diagnostic for patient
identification and stratification. If the microRNA is determined to
be involved in the disease pathology and represents a potential
therapeutic target, Marina may develop the resulting microRNA-based
therapeutic for clinical development.
"We are delighted to have the opportunity to apply our
leading-edge microRNA expertise with Marina's single- and
double-stranded nucleic acid therapeutics in order to isolate
specific microRNA biomarkers for the development of diagnostics and
therapies for a variety of dystrophies. These rare diseases remain
a significant unmet medical need," stated Kenneth A. Berlin,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Rosetta Genomics.
"Targeted diagnostics to identify potential
responders/non-responders for specific therapies would mark a
significant advance for these patients as dystrophies are
degenerative diseases that accelerate over time. In addition,
current treatment options are sub-optimal and costly. We believe
the development of a diagnostic that can accurately predict
response to therapy will bring effective treatment to dystrophy
patients earlier and with significant cost savings."
"The Alliance is a perfect match of cutting-edge technologies,"
stated J. Michael French, President and CEO of Marina Biotech.
"Rosetta brings to the Alliance world class expertise in the
development of microRNA diagnostics. Importantly, Rosetta can
potentially identify novel microRNA targets for further development
into clinical candidates. Marina is in the unique position to
capitalize on Rosetta's expertise by utilizing Rosetta's
microRNA-based diagnostics for patient identification and
stratification in Marina's clinical development programs and by
utilizing Marina's proprietary chemistries and delivery
technologies to advance novel microRNA-based therapeutics -- both
single-stranded microRNA antagonists and double-stranded microRNA
mimics -- into the clinic. We believe our SMARTICLES® is the only
delivery technology currently in clinical development that is
delivering both single-stranded oligonucleotides and
double-stranded microRNA mimics. We believe this delivery
technology, combined with our conformationally restricted
nucleotide chemistry, will permit us to develop best-in-class
microRNA antagonists and mimics. Our ability to work with both
modalities is potentially critically important in the treatment of
multi-system diseases such as myotonic dystrophy. While current
technologies are limited by either a single-stranded or a
double-stranded approach, Marina can pursue whichever nucleic acid
modality most effectively treats these debilitating diseases."
"This latest strategic alliance underscores the versatility of
Rosetta's microRNA biomarker platform for the identification of
specific microRNA signatures for a variety of indications and
applications and positions Rosetta Genomics as the partner of
choice for such collaborations," added Mr. Berlin. "Importantly,
these partnerships represent our company's third platform for
revenue growth. Moving forward, we expect to enter into additional
agreements as we seek to monetize our leading microRNA biomarker
platform."
About Neuromuscular Disorders and Dystrophies Neuromuscular
disorders affect the nerves that control voluntary muscles, such as
those that control the arms and legs. Nerve cells, also called
neurons, send messages that control these muscles. When the neurons
become unhealthy or die, communication between the nervous system
and muscles breaks down. As a result, muscles weaken and waste
away. Likewise, dystrophies are progressive degenerative disorders
affecting skeletal muscles. In both cases, the diseases can often
effect other organ systems such as the heart and central nervous
system. Many neuromuscular diseases and almost all dystrophies are
genetic, which means there is a mutation in genes which in many
cases is passed from family member to family member. Although a
cure for these disorders may present itself in the future,
currently the goal of drug development efforts is to improve
symptoms, increase mobility and increase the individual's
lifespan.
About Marina Biotech, Inc. Marina Biotech is an oligonucleotide
therapeutics company with broad drug discovery technologies
providing the ability to develop proprietary single and
double-stranded nucleic acid therapeutics including siRNAs,
microRNA mimics, antagomirs, and antisense compounds, including
messengerRNA therapeutics. These technologies were built via a
roll-up strategy to discover and develop different types of nucleic
acid therapeutics in order to modulate (up or down) a specific
protein(s) which is either being produced too much or too little
thereby causing a particular disease. We believe that the Marina
Biotech technologies have unique strengths as a drug discovery
engine for the development of nucleic acid-based therapeutics for
rare and orphan diseases. Further, we believe Marina Biotech is the
only company in the sector that has a delivery technology in human
clinical trials with differentiated classes of payloads, through
licensees ProNAi Therapeutics and Mirna Therapeutics, delivering
single-stranded and double-stranded nucleic acid payloads,
respectively. Our novel chemistries and other delivery technologies
have been validated through license agreements with Roche,
Novartis, Monsanto, and Tekmira. The Marina Biotech pipeline
currently includes a clinical program in Familial Adenomatous
Polyposis (a precancerous syndrome) and a preclinical program in
myotonic dystrophy. Marina Biotech's goal is to improve human
health through the development of RNAi- and oligonucleotide-based
compounds and drug delivery technologies that together provide
superior therapeutic options for patients. Additional information
about Marina Biotech is available at www.marinabio.com.
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 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.
Marina Biotech Forward-Looking Statements Statements made in
this news release may be forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Federal Securities laws that are subject to certain
risks and uncertainties and involve factors that may cause actual
results to differ materially from those projected or suggested.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited
to: (i) the ability of Marina Biotech to obtain additional funding;
(ii) the ability of Marina Biotech to attract and/or maintain
manufacturing, research, development and commercialization
partners; (iii) the ability of Marina Biotech and/or a partner to
successfully complete product research and development, including
preclinical and clinical studies and commercialization; (iv) the
ability of Marina Biotech and/or a partner to obtain required
governmental approvals; and (v) the ability of Marina Biotech
and/or a partner to develop and commercialize products prior to,
and that can compete favorably with those of, competitors.
Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking
statements are contained in Marina Biotech's most recent filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Marina Biotech assumes
no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements
because of subsequent events.
Rosetta Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer Various statements
in this release concerning Rosetta's future expectations, plans and
prospects, including without limitation, statements relating to
potential revenue growth, the expectation to enter into additional
similar agreements as Rosetta seeks to monetize its leading
microRNA platform and expertise, Rosetta identifying novel microRNA
targets for further development into clinical candidates and the
collaboration resulting in successful identification and
development of microRNA-based products, 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.
Marina Biotech Contact: J. Michael French President and CEO
(425) 892-4322
admin@marinabio.com Rosetta Genomics Contact: Ken Berlin President
& CEO (609) 419-9000, ext.
1326 investors@rosettagenomics.com Rosetta Genomics Investor
Contacts: LHA Anne Marie Fields (212) 838-3777
afields@lhai.com or Bruce Voss (310) 691-7100
bvoss@lhai.com
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