Published:
Rosetta Genomics and the National Institute of Health (NIH) to Identify Potential MicroRNA Drug Targets for HIV
REHOVOT,Israel andJERSEY CITY, New Jersey, August 20
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDQ: ROSG) announced
today a collaboration with the National Institute of Health to identify
microRNAs involved in the progression of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV), that may be used as potential drug targets.
Rosetta Genomics has access to the majority of known human and viral
microRNAs. From this strong intellectual property position, the company has
developed highly sensitive, proprietary technologies to detect and quantify
microRNAs. These technologies are based on publicly known human and viral
microRNAs in addition to Rosetta Genomics proprietary microRNAs, which are
yet to be published. Leveraging Rosetta Genomics' extensive know-how in
microRNAs and proprietary technologies, this collaboration will seek to
determine the role of microRNAs in HIV viral replication, and their potential
to act as novel drug targets for future therapy.
"We are very excited to be collaborating with the NIH in seeking to
better understand the link between the aberrant expression of microRNAs and
the viral replication of HIV, and to identify potential microRNA drug
targets", said Dr. Zvi Bentwich, Chief Scientist of Rosetta Genomics and a
world renowned HIV researcher. "Having the opportunity to work with the NIH
on this important collaboration is a reflection on our leading capabilities
and know how in this field."
In a study published last year (Zhang et al. Nature Medicine, 2007),
researchers showed that microRNAs are involved in suppressing HIV
replication' and keeping it latent. Through this collaboration, Rosetta
Genomics and the NIH aim to deepen the understanding of the role microRNAs
play in the HIV life cycle and pathogenesis.
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 (Nasdaq: ROSG) is a leader in the field of microRNA.
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 on the application of these technologies in the
development of a full range of microRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic
tools, focusing primarily on cancer and various women's health indications.
The first test based on the company's technology, differentiating squamous
from non squamous non small cell lung cancer, is now approved through
Columbia University Medical Center's High Complexity Molecular Pathology
Laboratory. In Addition, the company expects two additional microRNA
diagnostic tests applying its technology will be validated and submitted for
regulatory approval by licensed clinical laboratories inthe United States in
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, including
HIV, and the expected timing of submission for approval and launch of
diagnostic tests using our microRNA technology 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 microRNA technology and to work on the application of
this technology in the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutic
tools, which is unproven and may never lead to marketable products or
services; Rosetta's ability to obtain, maintain and protect its intellectual
property; Rosetta's ability to enforce its patents against infringers and to
defend its patent portfolio against challenges from third parties; Rosetta's
need and 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 candidate tools, products and services,
all of which are in early stages of development; Rosetta's ability to obtain
regulatory clearances or approvals that may be required for its products and
services; the ability to obtain coverage and adequate payment from health
insurers for the products and services comprising Rosetta's technology;
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, 2007 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.
Contact: Investors
Joshua Gordon, M.D.
T: +1-201-946-0561
E: investors@rosettagenomics.com
Media
Ron Kamienchick
T: +1-(646)-509-1893
E: media@rosettagenomics.com
SOURCE Rosetta Genomics Ltd
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