Rosetta Genomics Receives Two Key U.S. Patent Allowances

PHILADELPHIA and REHOVOT, Israel, Feb. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (NASDAQ: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, today announced that the Company has received  two notices of allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") for Patent Applications 12/661,041 and 12/850,091.

The allowed claims of 12/661,041, entitled "microRNAs and Uses Thereof," cover the composition of matter for miR-29c*, as well as sequence variants (90% identical thereto), a vector and a probe comprising the same.  miR-29c* is a core element in the Company's lead commercial product, miRview^® mets² diagnostic assay for the identification of the tumor of origin in Cancer of Unknown and Uncertain Primary ("CUP").  

The allowed claims of 12/850,091, entitled "Viral and Viral Associated MiRNAs and Uses Thereof," cover the composition of matter for herpes simplex virus 1 miR-H3, miR-H4 and miR-H5, as well as sequence variants (80% identical thereto), a vector and a complementary sequence comprising the same.

"The allowance of these key U.S. patents is central to our growing patent portfolio as they protect core composition of matter and sequencing variants for our lead marketed product," stated Kenneth A. Berlin, President and CEO of Rosetta Genomics. "In addition, obtaining patent coverage for additional viral microRNAs, expands our leadership in microRNA and offers us the potential to license, partner or otherwise derive value from this powerful technology in viral diseases.  These allowances continue to fortify our dominant patent position in microRNA technology, while creating additional barriers to entry for any would-be competitors."

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 42 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, 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.