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Rosetta Genomics has access to the majority of known human and viralmicroRNAs. From this strong intellectual property position, the company hasdeveloped highly sensitive, proprietary technologies to detect and quantifymicroRNAs. These technologies are based on publicly known human and viralmicroRNAs in addition to Rosetta Genomics proprietary microRNAs, which areyet to be published. Leveraging Rosetta Genomics' extensive know-how inmicroRNAs and proprietary technologies, this collaboration will seek todetermine the role of microRNAs in HIV viral replication, and their potentialto act as novel drug targets for future therapy.
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"We are very excited to be collaborating with the NIH in seeking tobetter understand the link between the aberrant expression of microRNAs andthe viral replication of HIV, and to identify potential microRNA drugtargets", said Dr. Zvi Bentwich, Chief Scientist of Rosetta Genomics and aworld renowned HIV researcher. "Having the opportunity to work with the NIHon this important collaboration is a reflection on our leading capabilitiesand 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 HIVreplication' and keeping it latent. Through this collaboration, RosettaGenomics and the NIH aim to deepen the understanding of the role microRNAsplay in the HIV life cycle and pathogenesis.
About microRNAs
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recently discovered, naturally occurring, smallRNAs that act as master regulators and have the potential to form the basisfor a new class of diagnostics and therapeutics. Since many diseases arecaused by the abnormal activity of proteins, the ability to selectivelyregulate protein activity through microRNAs could provide the means to treata wide range of human diseases. In addition, microRNAs have been shown tohave different expression in various pathological conditions. As a result,these differences may provide for a novel diagnostic strategy for manydiseases.
About Rosetta Genomics
Rosetta Genomics (Nasdaq: ROSG) is a leader in the field of microRNA.Founded in 2000, the company's integrative research platform combiningbioinformatics and state-of-the-art laboratory processes has led to thediscovery 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 thedevelopment of a full range of microRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutictools, focusing primarily on cancer and various women's health indications.The first test based on the company's technology, differentiating squamousfrom non squamous non small cell lung cancer, is now approved throughColumbia University Medical Center's High Complexity Molecular PathologyLaboratory. In Addition, the company expects two additional microRNAdiagnostic tests applying its technology will be validated and submitted forregulatory approval by licensed clinical laboratories in the United States in2008.
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer
Various statements in this release concerning Rosetta's futureexpectations, plans and prospects, including without limitation, statementsrelating to the role of microRNAs in human physiology and disease, thepotential of microRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, includingHIV, and the expected timing of submission for approval and launch ofdiagnostic tests using our microRNA technology constitute forward-lookingstatements for the purposes of the s
