Rosetta Genomics Announces Key Patent Allowances in U.S. and Europe
February 17 2015 - 8:15AM
Business Wire
Broad U.S. patent for cancer therapeutics
relating to the p53 gene, which plays a key role in more than 50%
of all cancers
First European patent for a microRNA expands
protection for its Cancer of Unknown Primary testing franchise
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 for a patent claiming the use of
miR-34a for the treatment of p53-associated cancers. In addition,
the Company announced its first allowance from the European Patent
Office for a patent claiming the specific composition for miR-451,
a miR relating to the Company’s Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP)
testing franchise.
The allowed claims for the U.S. Patent Application No.
14/280,822 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 relating to cancers associated with the p53 gene. This
patent is broader than the previous patent issued last year in that
it covers the treatment of any p-53 associated cancer using miR-34a
or its variants, delivered by any kind of formulation.
The patent is jointly owned with Yeda Research and Development,
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 p53 tumor-suppressor function is one of the most frequent
genetic alterations in human cancer, and more than half of all
human tumors carry p53 gene mutations within their cells. In
addition, mutations in p53 have been correlated with clinical
aggressiveness.
"p53 plays an important role in many cancers. Consequently, a
therapeutic based on mimicking miR-34a that can potentially
overcome some of the negative effects of mutations in this
important tumor suppressor holds significant promise," commented E.
Robert Wassman, M.D., Rosetta Genomics' Chief Medical Officer.
The allowed claims for European Patent Application Number
05766834.5 entitled, “MicroRNAs and uses thereof” cover miR-451 and
its complement, as well as a probe comprising the claimed miR.
Therapeutic and diagnostic uses of the miR and/or the probe are
also covered in the allowed claims.
“We continue to fortify our leading intellectual property
position in microRNA technology as well as microRNAs themselves and
these new patents expand, strengthen and complement our growing
portfolio of over 40 patents worldwide,” noted Kenneth A. Berlin,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Rosetta Genomics. “Patents
such as this recent one in the U.S. are important as they not only
protect key elements of our microRNA technology to develop a
variety of oncology treatments that are associated with the p53
tumor suppressor, but they also offer multiple opportunities for
monetization through potential drug development partnerships or
other licensing arrangements. Separately, this recent European
composition of matter patent strengthens and expands the patent
protection for our CUP testing franchise and further establishes
our global leadership position in microRNA technology.”
“Importantly, both of these patents support our broader oncology
strategy to develop and commercialize microRNA-based diagnostics,
therapeutics and biomarkers on a global basis in order to enhance
clinicians’ ability to identify and treat cancers,” concluded Mr.
Berlin.
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.
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 or therapeutics, the
market acceptance of Rosetta’s cancer testing
services, particularly the Rosetta Cancer Origin Test™,
Rosetta’s development of personalized medicine products and
services, the reproducibility, robustness and accuracy of Rosetta's
microRNA technology and its ability to help enable personalized
medicine and optimize treatment, the expansion of payor coverage of
Rosetta's testing services, and the amount of people covered for
the Rosetta testing 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.
Company:Rosetta GenomicsKen Berlin, 609-419-9003President
& CEOinvestors@rosettagenomics.comorInvestors:LHAAnne
Marie Fields, 212-838-3777afields@lhai.comorBruce Voss,
310-691-7100bvoss@lhai.com
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