Rosetta Genomics Announces Acceptance for Publication of Kidney Cancer microRNA Diagnostic Manuscript by Molecular Oncology

PHILADELPHIA and REHOVOT, Israel, April 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, announces that a manuscript regarding the development and validation of the Company's microRNA-based diagnostic assay for the classification of renal cell tumors has been accepted for publication by Molecular Oncology.  Yael Spector, a scientist from Rosetta Genomics, and Dr. Eddie Fridman, a pathologist and an expert in urological pathology from Sheba Medical Center in Tel-Hashomer, Israel, are the lead authors on the manuscript.

An unedited version of the manuscript is available online ahead of print publication of the final article at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S157478911300046X.

The manuscript discusses the development and validation of the miRview^® kidney assay, which differentiates between the four main types of primary kidney tumors: the three subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) namely clear cell, papillary and chromophobe RCC, and typically benign behaving oncocytoma. The assay was developed on a microarray platform using 181 training samples and validated on an independent set of 201 samples. The assay provided results for 92% of the validation samples, with 95% accuracy.

The topic of this manuscript will also be summarized in a poster to be presented on April 7 at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2013 in Washington, D.C.

"There are an estimated 65,000 new cases of kidney cancer each year in the U.S. and more than 13,000 deaths.  Distinguishing between the four main types of primary kidney tumors is critical in determining the optimal treatment regimen," said Kenneth A. Berlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rosetta Genomics.  "Our miRview^® kidney assay accurately classifies clear cell RCC, papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC and oncocytoma. We are delighted that this work has been accepted for publication in Molecular Oncology, an important industry trade journal."

"The classification into subtypes of RCC has historically been less than definitive by histology, cytology and immunohistochemistry particularly in the growing context of fine needle aspirate (FNA) diagnostic specimens. The discrimination of the four subtypes can lead to the avoidance of aggressive surgical intervention in oncocytomas, and the others have differing biological behaviors that can be correlated with subtype.  Importantly, newer therapeutic agents may show evidence of specificity of response by cell type. The expanded clarity of RCC diagnosis through the availability of this test will help lead to improved rationalization and optimization of new and emerging therapies, particularly in the community setting," said Bob Wassman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Rosetta Genomics.

About miRview^® Testing Services
miRview^® assays are a series of microRNA-based diagnostic testing services offered by Rosetta Genomics. miRview^® mets² accurately identifies the primary tumor type in primary and metastatic cancer including cancer of unknown or uncertain primary (CUP). miRview^® meso diagnoses mesothelioma, a cancer connected to asbestos exposure.  miRview^® lung accurately identifies the four main subtypes of lung cancer using small amounts of tumor cells. miRview^® kidney accurately classifies the four most common kidney tumors: clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), papillary RCC, chromophobe RCC and oncocytoma.  miRview^® 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 miRview^® mets² test assay, 60,000 from miRview^® meso, 65,000 from miRview^® kidney and 226,000 patients from miRview^® lung. 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 www.mirviewdx.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 miRview® 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, statements relating to Rosetta's strategic plan, Rosetta's development or commercialization of molecular diagnostics or therapeutics, the market acceptance of Rosetta's miRview^® assays, particularly miRview^® mets², Rosetta's capitalization of its microRNA platform, Rosetta's patent position 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.

Company Contact:       
Rosetta Genomics                                          
Ken Berlin, President & CEO                                   
(215) 382-9000, ext. 326                                           
[email protected]

Investor Contacts:                            
LHA                                       
Anne Marie Fields
(212) 838-3777
[email protected]

or

Bruce Voss
(310) 691-7100
[email protected]

SOURCE Rosetta Genomics Ltd.