Rosetta Genomics Receives Notice of Allowance for Key U.S. Patent for the Rosetta Lung Cancer Test
Fortifies Patent Position in Growing Oncology Diagnostics Portfolio
PHILADELPHIA and REHOVOT, Israel (July 25, 2013) (eTeligis via ACCESSWIRE) – Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, announces that the Company has received a notice of allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for Patent Application No. 12/551,291 related to the Rosetta Lung Cancer Test(TM). Entitled “Methods for distinguishing between lung squamous carcinoma and other non-small cell lung cancers,” the allowed claims cover Rosetta’s method for identifying lung squamous cell carcinoma and other non-small cell lung carcinomas through the Company’s novel assay.
“Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Recent advances in molecularly-targeted pharmaceuticals have led to increasingly personalized therapies. As such, there is a critical need for clinical diagnostics to distinguish the molecular signature of the lung cancer in order to optimize treatment plans and improve patient outcomes,” stated Kenneth A. Berlin, President and CEO of Rosetta Genomics. “Upon issuance, this new patent will strengthen our intellectual property position for our growing oncology diagnostics portfolio while providing added protection and competitive advantage in the marketplace.”
“The precision of histological classification of sub-types of lung cancer has historically been sub-optimal. With advances in molecularly-targeted oncology treatments, the accurate classification of sub-types of lung cancers has significant impact on therapeutic choices in both squamous cell and adenocarcinomas,” said E. Robert Wassman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Rosetta Genomics. “For example, current drug labels specifically exclude the use of pemetrexed and bevacizumab in squamous cell carcinomas, based on efficacy and safety considerations, respectively, and, while not universal, tyrosine kinase inhibitors are generally restricted in efficacy to adenocarcinomas. Therefore, our lung cancer assay which is currently available from our laboratory in Philadelphia has the potential to help physicians to better personalize treatment for their lung cancer patients.”
Rosetta Genomics maintains an active intellectual property strategy to protect its leadership position in microRNA technology. Rosetta's portfolio includes 32 issued patents, including 28 in the U.S. In addition, Rosetta has 39 patent applications pending, of which 23 are in the U.S.
About Rosetta Cancer Testing Services (formerly the miRview(R) product line)
Rosetta Cancer Tests are a series of microRNA-based diagnostic testing services offered by Rosetta Genomics. The Rosetta Cancer Origin Test(TM) can accurately identify the primary tumor type in primary and metastatic cancer including cancer of unknown or uncertain primary (CUP). Rosetta Mesothelioma Test(TM) diagnoses mesothelioma, a cancer connected to asbestos exposure. The Rosetta Lung Cancer Test(TM) accurately identifies the four main subtypes of lung cancer using small amounts of tumor cells. The Rosetta Kidney Cancer Test(TM) accurately classifies the four most common kidney tumors: clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC and oncocytoma. Rosetta’s assays are designed to provide objective diagnostic data; it is the treating physician’s responsibility to diagnose and administer the appropriate treatment. In the U.S. alone, Rosetta Genomics estimates that 200,000 patients a year may benefit from the Rosetta Cancer Origin Test(TM), 60,000 from the Rosetta Mesothelioma Test(TM), 65,000 from the Rosetta Kidney Cancer Test(TM) and 226,000 patients from the Rosetta Lung Cancer Test(TM). The Company’s assays are offered directly by Rosetta Genomics in the U.S., and through distributors around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.rosettagenomics.com/. Parties interested in ordering the test can contact Rosetta Genomics at (215) 382-9000 ext. 309.
About Rosetta Genomics
Rosetta develops and commercializes a full range of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics. Founded in 2000, 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. Rosetta’s cancer testing services are commercially available through its Philadelphia-based CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified lab. Frost & Sullivan recognized Rosetta Genomics with the 2012 North American Next Generation Diagnostics Entrepreneurial Company of the Year Award.
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer
Various statements in this release concerning Rosetta’s future expectations, plans and prospects, including without limitation, Rosetta’s Cancer of Origin Test(TM), Rosetta’s development or commercialization of molecular diagnostics, Rosetta's intellectual property strategy, the market acceptance of Rosetta’s cancer testing services, particularly the Rosetta Cancer Origin Test(TM), Rosetta’s development of personalized medicine products and services 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 Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2012 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.
Company Contact:
Rosetta Genomics
Ken Berlin, President & CEO
(215) 382-9000, ext. 326
investors@rosettagenomics.com
Investor Contacts:
LHA
Anne Marie Fields
(212) 838-3777
afields@lhai.com
or
Bruce Voss
(310) 691-7100
bvoss@lhai.com
SOURCE: Rosetta Genomics