REHOVOT, Israel and DETROIT, Michigan, May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rosetta Genomics announced today that it has signed an agreement with the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, one of the world's leading research centers for brain cancer, to provide the company with samples of metastases found in brain tissue. The samples will then be analyzed using Rosetta Genomics' proprietary miRdicator(TM) technology to determine the origin of the metastasis.
"This is a significant step towards initiating the clinical validation for our cancer of unknown primary diagnostic test, "said Amir Avniel, President and CEO of Rosetta Genomics. "The samples we will receive from the Henry Ford Hospital will help validate our lead diagnostic program and advance it forward towards launching the first microRNA-based diagnostic test."
The brain is one of the leading sites where metastases of unknown origin are found. Rosetta Genomics CUP test is designed to identify the site where the metastasis originated by analyzing the unique microRNA signature of each metastasis and comparing it to the signature of known primary sites.
"Our CUP diagnostic program has been showing rapid progress over the past few months," noted Dalia Cohen, Rosetta Genomics' Global Head of R&D. "We are continually expanding the test, and believe we have reached a point where we can confidently begin running "blind" samples of metastases on our miRdicator(TM) platform to identify their origin."
About Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP)
Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) - In 3% to 5% of new cancer cases, the site of origin of a tumor cannot be readily identified, or a diagnosis of origin is equivocal. This disease manifestation is known as a cancer of unknown primary (CUP). These tumors represent a clinically diverse group, typically presenting with moderately to poorly differentiated tumors, often adenocarcinoma, involving multiple organs including liver, bone, brain, lung, lymph nodes and pleura. Patients with CUP represent a disproportionate fraction of cancer deaths due to their poor median survival, often measured in months. In many cases, patients receive a series of sequential treatments before a response, if any, is obtained. A large proportion of cases remain undiagnosed, with the result that therapy cannot be matched to their specific disease.
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 Henry Ford Hospital
Henry Ford Hospital is a 903-bed tertiary care hospital, education and research complex in Detroit's New Center Area. The hospital is recognized for clinical excellence and innovation in the fields of neurology and neurosurgery, cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, organ transplants, and treatment for prostate, breast and lung cancers. HFH is a Level 1 trauma center.
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.
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 a microRNA-based diagnostic test for CUP, 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.
Contact: Media & Investors Ron Kamienchick T: +972-8-948-4785 Ron_Ka@RosettaGenomics.com
Rosetta Genomics LtdCONTACT: Contact: Media & Investors, Ron Kamienchick, T: +972-8-948-4785,Ron_Ka@RosettaGenomics.com
