REHOVOT, Israel and NEW YORK, New York, April 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDQ: ROSG) announced today that it has partnered with NYU Medical Center with the aim of developing a line of early detection diagnostic products for lung, and Mesothelioma cancers.
The early detection test will mainly target over 45 million Americans who are at an increased risk of lung cancer due to smoking, as well as those who have been exposed to asbestos fibers. The test will utilize Rosetta Genomics’ proprietary protocol to extract microRNAs from a simple blood draw.
“A test that will be able to detect cancer at an early stage using a simple blood draw will have far reaching implications on the fight against cancer,” noted Dr. Harvey Pass, Professor and Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery and Thoracic Oncology at NYU Medical Center. “MicroRNAs have been shown to hold great potential as effective biomarkers for various cancers, and I believe that NYU Medical Center’s vast experience with lung cancer and Mesothelioma, coupled with Rosetta Genomics’ expertise in the microRNA field, will allow us to successfully advance this much needed test forward.”
About Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to high levels of asbestos fibers.
About Lung Cancer
Lung Cancer is the leading cause of death for both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), in 2007 there will be about 213,000 new cases of lung cancer, and approximately 160,000 deaths. Average five-year survival rates for patients diagnosed with lung cancer are less than 15%. Five year survival rates for patients with advanced stage IV lung cancer are only about 5%. The population at highest risk for lung cancer includes approximately 5 million men and women between the ages of 50 and 69 who are current or former smokers.
About microRNAs
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a recently discovered, naturally occurring form of RNAi. These small RNAs act as protein regulators and have the potential to form the basis for a new class of diagnostics and therapeutics. Since many diseases are caused by the abnormal activity of proteins, the ability to selectively regulate protein activity through microRNAs could provide the means to treat a wide range of human diseases. In addition, microRNAs have been shown to have different expression levels in certain diseased versus normal tissues. As a result, these differences potentially provide for a novel diagnostic strategy for many diseases. MicroRNAs are thought to play a key role in the differentiation of cells into specific cell types performing various functions in the body.
About NYU Medical Center
One of the world’s premier academic medical institutions for more than 155 years, NYU Medical Center continues to be a leader in patient care, physician education and scientific research. NYU Medical Center is internationally renowned for excellence in areas such as cardiovascular disease, pediatrics, skin care, neurosurgery, urology, cancer care, rehabilitation, plastic surgery, minimally invasive surgery, transplant surgery, infertility, women’s health and day surgery.
About Rosetta Genomics
Rosetta Genomics is a leader in the development of microRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics. Founded in 2000, the company’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 IP position and strategic alliances with leading biotechnology companies, Rosetta Genomics is working to develop a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic products based on microRNAs. The company’s primary focus is in the development of microRNA-based products to diagnose and treat different forms of cancer and infectious diseases.
Contact: Media & Investors Ron Kamienchick T: +972-8-948-4785 Ron_Ka@RosettaGenomics.com
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer
Various statements in this release concerning Rosetta’s future expectations, plans and prospects, including without limitation, statements relating to our ability to successfully develop early detection diagnostic products for lung cancer and Mesothelioma in collaboration with NYU Medical Center, the role of miRNAs in human physiology and disease, and the potential of microRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, 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 risks related to: Rosetta’s approach to discover and develop novel diagnostics products, which is unproven and may never lead to marketable products; Rosetta’s ability to fund and the results of further pre-clinical and clinical trials; obtaining, maintaining and protecting intellectual property utilized by Rosetta’s products; Rosetta’s ability to enforce its patents against infringers and to defend its patent portfolio against challenges from third parties; Rosetta’s ability to obtain additional funding to support its business activities; Rosetta’s dependence on third parties for development, manufacture, marketing, sales, and distribution of products; the successful development of Rosetta’s product candidates, all of which are in early stages of development; obtaining regulatory approval for products; competition from others using technology similar to Rosetta’s and others developing products for similar uses; Rosetta’s dependence on collaborators; and Rosetta’s short operating history; as well as those risks more fully discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of Rosetta’s most recent Registration Statement on Form F-1 on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent Rosetta’s views only as of today 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.
Rosetta Genomics Ltd
CONTACT: Contact: Media & Investors, Ron Kamienchick, T: +972-8-948-4785,Ron_Ka@RosettaGenomics.com
