A Collaborative Study by Scientists at the
Weizmann Institute of Science and Scientists at Sheba Medical Center, With
the aid of Rosetta Genomics, Demonstrated That Overexpression of miR-451
Inhibited Growth of Glioblastoma (GBM) Cells
- Furthermore, Combining Imatinib (Gleevec(R)), a Targeted Cancer Drug
Approved Treatment of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) and
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Manufactured by Novartis, With miR-451 had
a Synergistic Effect in Inhibiting GBM Growth
- miR-451 was First Disclosed in a Patent Application by Rosetta
Genomics and is Currently Under Active Examination
Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDQ: ROSG) announced that a
collaborative study published by scientists from the Weizmann Institute of
Science and scientists at Sheba Medical Center, with the aid of Rosetta
Genomics, has demonstrated that a microRNA first disclosed by the company
increased the efficacy of Imatinib (Gleevec(R)) in Glioblastoma (GBM), the
most common and most aggressive type of primary brain tumor.
"We are excited to be part of this important study led by the renowned
scientists from the Weizmann Institute of Science and from the Sheba
Medical Center," noted Dr. Dalia Cohen, Chief Scientific Officer at Rosetta
Genomics. "MicroRNAs are quickly emerging as major regulators of biological
processes and have wide diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Rosetta
Genomics' extensive intellectual property portfolio which includes the
first ever issued patent relating to microRNAs, as well as patent
applications for a large portion of today's known microRNAs, positions us
to lead the microRNA space and advance patient care worldwide. Our first
microRNA-based products, diagnosing various cancers, are expected to be
launched later this year."
In the study, "MIR-451 and Imatinib Mesylate Inhibit the Growth of
Glioblastoma Stem Cells", published online in Biochemical and Biophysical
Research Communications, scientists demonstrated that overexpressing
miR-451 in-vitro caused inhibition of GBM cell growth. In addition, when
combining Imatinib (Gleevec(R)), a targeted therapy manufactured by
Novartis and approved treatment of CML and gastrointestinal stromal tumors,
with miR-451, a synergistic effect has been shown in inhibiting GBM cell
proliferation.
Imatinib (Gleevec(R)) is the first approved drug to directly inhibit a
protein known to cause a cancer. Several studies have been, and are
currently being conducted, to examine the drug's effectiveness in treating
GBM.
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 in the 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.
(1) Gleevec is a registered trademark of Novartis
Rosetta Genomics Ltd
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View drug information on Gleevec.