Rosetta Genomics Receives 25th U.S. Patent Allowance

PHILADELPHIA and REHOVOT, Israel, March 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, announces receipt of a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent Office related to U.S. Patent Application No. 12/517,760 entitled "Nucleic Acids Involved in Viral Infection."

The allowed claims include a method of reducing the amount of virus replication in a target cell infected with the virus by introducing into the target cell an effective amount of miR-210, its variants or its precursor.

"We are delighted to add this new patent to our expanding intellectual property portfolio of microRNAs in viral infection.  This newly granted patent further solidifies our dominant patent position in microRNAs and opens up other disease states where microRNAs may be of great benefit.  Many of the current viral therapeutics suffer from low efficacy, toxicity and induction of resistance.  With its potential to reduce viral replication, miR-210 may prove to be an effective therapeutic that may overcome the limitations of currently available viral treatments," stated Kenneth A. Berlin, President and CEO of Rosetta Genomics.  "Our growing patent position in microRNAs provides us with the opportunity to license, partner or otherwise derive value from this powerful technology in viral and other disease areas."

Rosetta Genomics maintains a robust intellectual property strategy to protect its leadership position in microRNA technology.   Rosetta's portfolio includes 29 issued patents, including 25 in the U.S.  In addition, Rosetta has 41 patent applications, including 21 in the U.S.

About miRview^® Products
miRview^® are a series of microRNA-based diagnostic products offered by Rosetta Genomics. miRview^® mets² accurately identifies the primary tumor type in primary and metastatic cancer including 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^® tests 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, 60,000 from miRview^® meso, 54,000 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® product line is 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 therapeutic assets, 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 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, 2011 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.

SOURCE Rosetta Genomics Ltd.