REHOVOT, Israel and JERSEY CITY, New Jersey, August 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDQ: ROSG) announced today a collaboration with the National Institute of Health to identify microRNAs involved in the progression of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), that may be used as potential drug targets.
Rosetta Genomics has access to the majority of known human and viral microRNAs. From this strong intellectual property position, the company has developed highly sensitive, proprietary technologies to detect and quantify microRNAs. These technologies are based on publicly known human and viral microRNAs in addition to Rosetta Genomics proprietary microRNAs, which are yet to be published. Leveraging Rosetta Genomics' extensive know-how in microRNAs and proprietary technologies, this collaboration will seek to determine the role of microRNAs in HIV viral replication, and their potential to act as novel drug targets for future therapy.
"We are very excited to be collaborating with the NIH in seeking to better understand the link between the aberrant expression of microRNAs and the viral replication of HIV, and to identify potential microRNA drug targets", said Dr. Zvi Bentwich, Chief Scientist of Rosetta Genomics and a world renowned HIV researcher. "Having the opportunity to work with the NIH on this important collaboration is a reflection on our leading capabilities and know how in this field."
In a study published last year (Zhang et al. Nature Medicine, 2007), researchers showed that microRNAs are involved in suppressing HIV replication' and keeping it latent. Through this collaboration, Rosetta Genomics and the NIH aim to deepen the understanding of the role microRNAs play in the HIV life cycle and pathogenesis.
About microRNAs
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recently discovered, naturally occurring, small RNAs that act as master 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 in various pathological conditions. As a result, these differences may provide for a novel diagnostic strategy for many diseases.
About Rosetta Genomics
Rosetta Genomics is a leader in the field of microRNA. 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 proprietary platform technologies, Rosetta Genomics is working on the application of these technologies in the development of a full range of microRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic tools, focusing primarily on cancer and various women's health indications. The first test based on the company's technology, differentiating squamous from non squamous non small cell lung cancer, is now approved through Columbia University Medical Center's High Complexity Molecular Pathology Laboratory. In Addition, the company expects two additional microRNA diagnostic tests applying its technology will be validated and submitted for regulatory approval by licensed clinical laboratories in the United States in 2008.
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer
Various statements in this release concerning Rosetta's future expectations, plans and prospects, including without limitation, statements relating to the role of microRNAs in human physiology and disease, the potential of microRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, including HIV, and the expected timing of submission for approval and launch of diagnostic tests using our microRNA technology 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 microRNA technology and to work on the application of this technology in the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutic tools, which is unproven and may never lead to marketable products or services; Rosetta's ability to obtain, maintain and protect its intellectual property; Rosetta's ability to enforce its patents against infringers and to defend its patent portfolio against challenges from third parties; Rosetta's need and 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; Rosetta's ability to successfully develop its candidate tools, products and services, all of which are in early stages of development; Rosetta's ability to obtain regulatory clearances or approvals that may be required for its products and services; the ability to obtain coverage and adequate payment from health insurers for the products and services comprising Rosetta's technology; 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 Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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.
CONTACT: Contact: Investors, Joshua Gordon, M.D., T: +1-201-946-0561, E:
investors@rosettagenomics.com; Media, Ron Kamienchick, T:
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