Rosetta Genomics Receives U.S. Patent Allowance for microRNA-based Ovarian Cancer Treatment

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.
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.