REHOVOT, Israel and NORTH BRUNSWICK, New Jersey, January 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rosetta Genomics announced today its wholly owned subsidiary, Rosetta Genomics Inc., has received a license from Roche Molecular Systems to use its PCR technology in Rosetta Genomics' microRNA-based diagnostic tests.
Rosetta Genomics has developed a custom designed, highly sensitive and specific microRNA detection platform which is based on Roche PCR technology. This proprietary platform allows Rosetta Genomics to identify microRNA biomarkers in several sample types and body fluids, with very high sensitivity and specificity.
"Based on the PCR platform, as well as other proprietary technologies, we are developing a line of highly sensitive microRNA-based products, three of which we expect will launch in 2008," noted Amir Avniel, President and CEO of Rosetta Genomics." We have now been granted licenses from both Roche and Nanogen for use of their respective PCR technologies for diagnostic use, and are looking forward to the launch of our first microRNA-based diagnostic tests in 2008".
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 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 proprietary platform technologies, Rosetta Genomics is working to develop a full range of microRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic products, focusing primarily on cancer and various women's health indications. The company expects its first microRNA-based diagnostic tests to be launched during 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; and the expected timing of the launch of Rosetta's first diagnostic products 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 and therapeutic 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; Rosetta's ability to obtain, maintain and protect the 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; Rosetta's ability to successfully develop its product candidates, all of which are in early stages of development; Rosetta's ability to obtain 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 Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2006 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.
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