Rosetta Genomics Receives U.S. Patent Allowance For Microrna-Based Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Receives Two Notices of Allowance in Israel

PHILADELPHIA & REHOVOT, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NASDAQ:ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based and other molecular diagnostic testing services, announces that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a notice of allowance for U.S. Patent Application No. 14/505,548, entitled “Compositions and methods for treatment of Ovarian Cancer,” which covers a method of treatment for ovarian cancer through the administration of an inhibitor of miR-27a.

“We believe the new U.S. patent may be of great value in the development of new treatment options for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients. Our goal is to monetize this U.S. patent and the related technology through a potential partnership”

In addition, the Israel Patent Office has allowed Application No. 200247, entitled “Compositions and Methods for Modulating Cell Proliferation and Cell Death,” which claims cover the use of miR-34a or its variants for treating p53-negative cancers. This application covers a core element of Rosetta Genomics’ microRNA technology in the development of cancer therapeutics associated with p53-negative cancers, including lymphoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer, skin cancer, certain types of lung cancer, and others. The patent is jointly owned with Yeda R&D Co. Ltd., the technology transfer company of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel. This technology is licensed to Mirna Therapeutics.

The Company also received a notice of allowance for Israel Patent Application No. 212978, entitled “MicroRNAs and Uses thereof,” which covers human miR-29c*, a sequence at least 90% identical to it, and its complement; including a probe and a vector comprising the miR or its complement. This application corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 8,461,315.

“These patent grants further strengthen our international intellectual property position and complement already granted patents. Our growing patent estate continues to be a valuable asset for Rosetta as it provides protection for our core product portfolio, supports our research and development efforts and offers multiple opportunities to monetize patents outside our core diagnostics platforms,” stated Kenneth A. Berlin, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“We believe the new U.S. patent may be of great value in the development of new treatment options for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients. Our goal is to monetize this U.S. patent and the related technology through a potential partnership,” added 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 our ability to monetize our intellectual property, expand our patent portfolio, develop new treatment options, and enter into 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.