PRINCETON, NJ and REHOVOT, ISRAEL, United States, via eTeligis Inc., 07/10/2014 - - Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics and therapeutics, announces receipt of a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for U.S. Patent Application No. 13/977,797, entitled "Compositions and Methods for Treatment of Ovarian Cancer."The patent relates to inhibition of miR-210 for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Treatment for advanced ovarian carcinoma is typically based on the combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The objective of surgical intervention in patients suffering from advanced disease is to perform cyto-reduction to minimal residual disease in the abdominal cavity. Surgery is followed by adjuvant platinum based chemotherapy. Although 80-90% of patients initially respond to first line treatment, most will either progress during therapy or recur after complete remission.Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer.
"This new patent allowance complements and extends the broad intellectual property protection we have established for oncology therapeutics and represents a valuable addition to our microRNA patent estate," stated Kenneth A. Berlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rosetta Genomics. "Ovarian cancer remains a serious unmet medical need where there is a great demand for effective new therapies. microRNAs represent potential targets for the development of novel drugs and our growing patent portfolio for oncology therapeutics represents a valuable asset for development and/or monetization.Rosetta is a pioneer of microRNA technology and our broad and expanding patent portfolio will continue to protect and maintain our leadership position, as the vast potential of microRNA technologies is becoming realized."
"Rosetta has previously shown that microRNA-based diagnostics can provide significant insights into predicting response to platinum-based therapeutic regimens, which are the first line treatment for ovarian cancer. This capability is of greater value today as new agents are emerging with efficacy in ovarian cancer that provide potential alternatives when platinum is determined to be of unlikely benefit and may, therefore, be added to our clinical diagnostic portfolio going forward to leverage investments in our commercial and laboratory infrastructure," added Dr. E. Robert Wassman, Chief Medical Officer of Rosetta Genomics.
Rosetta's robust patent portfolio includes 36 issued patents, including 32 in the U.S. In addition, Rosetta has 49 patent applications pending, of which 27 are in the U.S.
About Ovarian Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly 22,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and over 14,000 women will die from ovarian cancer in 2014.Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S. Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other gynecologic cancer, but it accounts for only about 3 percent of all cancers in women.
In spite of considerable research into therapies for ovarian cancer, ovarian cancer remains difficult to diagnose and treat effectively, and the mortality observed in patients indicates that improvements are needed in the treatment and prevention of the disease.
About Rosetta Genomics
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 and therapeutics. Rosetta currently commercializes a full range of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics. Rosetta's cancer testing services are commercially available through its Philadelphia-based CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified lab. For more information please visit www.rosettagenomics.com.
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, Rosetta's development or commercialization of molecular diagnostics, prognostic or therapeutic services or tools, Rosetta's monetizing its intellectual property estate in any way and 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.
Rosetta Genomics Contact:
Rosetta Genomics
Ken Berlin
President & CEO
609-419-9003
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, Ltd.