Rosetta Genomics Fortifies Intellectual Property Portfolio With Two New Patent Allowances For Its Novel MicroRNA Platform Technology

PHILADELPHIA & REHOVOT, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based and other molecular diagnostics, today announced that the Company has added two new patent allowances to its intellectual property portfolio for its microRNA platform technology. With these new allowances, Rosetta Genomics has 64 granted or allowed patents and 33 patents pending.

“The strength and breadth of our microRNA patent portfolio is unparalleled and further demonstrates the robustness, versatility and prolific potential of these platforms”

Rosetta Genomics has received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for U.S. Patent Application No. 12/999,201, entitled, “Compositions and Methods for Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer.” The allowed patent claims a method of predicting progression of platinum-resistant stage III ovarian cancer in response to platinum-based chemotherapy, based on the expression of hsa-miR-27a in an ovarian tumor sample.

“Almost 20% of women who receive standard platinum- and paclitaxel-based treatment for ovarian cancer are found to be resistant to antineoplastic chemotherapy. The majority of women with advanced ovarian cancer will ultimately relapse and develop drug-resistant disease, making a marker for platinum-resistant cancers particularly useful for the determination of second-line chemotherapeutic options,” noted Kenneth A. Berlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rosetta Genomics. “This U.S. ovarian cancer prognostic patent complements a recently allowed U.S. patent covering a method of treatment for ovarian cancer through the administration of an inhibitor of miR-27a. Together these patents may be of great value in the development of new prognostic and treatment options for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients. Our goal is to monetize these U.S. patents and the related technology through a potential partnership.”

The company also received a Notice of Allowance from the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) for Korean Patent Application No. 2010-7007495, entitled, “Diagnosis and Prognosis of Specific Cancers.” The allowed patent claims a method for diagnosing pleural mesothelioma or distinguishing between pleural mesothelioma and other cancers, using the expression profile of hsa-miR-192, hsa-miR-200c and hsa-miR-193a. Corresponding U.S. Patent 9,133,522 has been granted in the U.S.

“Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the internal organs, the most common kind being pleural mesothelioma, where the lining of the lungs and chest wall is affected. Greater than 80% of mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. This assay expands our robust diagnostic offering in lung cancer diagnostics and prognostics,” added Mr. Berlin.

“The strength and breadth of our microRNA patent portfolio is unparalleled and further demonstrates the robustness, versatility and prolific potential of these platforms,” concluded Mr. Berlin.

About Rosetta Genomics

Rosetta develops and commercializes a full range of microRNA-based and other molecular diagnostics. 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. Through the acquisition of PersonalizeDx, the Company now offers core FISH, IHC and PCR-based testing capabilities and partnerships in Pathology, Oncology and Urology that provide additional content and platforms that complement Rosetta’s microRNA and Next-Gen Sequencing offerings. RosettaGX Reveal™, a Thyroid microRNA Classifier for the diagnosis of indeterminate thyroid FNA smears, as well as the full RosettaGX™ portfolio of cancer testing services are commercially available through the Company’s Philadelphia, PA- and Lake Forest, CA-based CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified labs. For more information visit www.rosettagx.com.

Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

Various statements in this release concerning Rosetta’s future expectations, plans and prospects including, but not limited to statements relating to developing new prognostic and therapeutic treatments for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients and monetizing these patents and related technology through potential partnerships, 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 most recently filed Annual Report on Form 20-F, 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.

Contacts

Rosetta Genomics:
Ken Berlin, 267-298-1159
President & CEO
investors@rosettagx.com
or
Rosetta Genomics Investor Contact:
LHA
Anne Marie Fields, 212-838-3777
afields@lhai.com

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