Rosetta Genomics Ltd. and U.S. Genomics Inc. Announce Collaboration Agreement To Develop a Non-Invasive MicroRNA-Based Early Detection Test For Lung Cancer

    REHOVOT, Israel and WOBURN, Mass., May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosetta
 Genomics Ltd. and U.S. Genomics Inc. announced today the signing of a
 discovery and co-development agreement for a microRNA-based, non-invasive
 early detection test for lung cancer. This collaboration combines U.S.
 Genomics' patented Trilogy(R) 2020 platform and Direct(TM) miRNA assay with
 Rosetta Genomics' proprietary microRNAs. By using Rosetta Genomics' newly
 discovered microRNAs as biomarkers, together with U.S. Genomics' patented
 technology for sensitive molecular-level detection and quantitation, the
 two companies are working to create a new molecular diagnostic test to
 accurately identify lung cancer using a sputum or blood sample.
     "This alliance is intended to expedite the development of
 next-generation molecular diagnostic tests to identify cancer," said Amir
 Avniel, CEO and president of Rosetta Genomics. "MicroRNAs hold great
 promise as biomarkers for several disease states, and we are very pleased
 to be working with U.S. Genomics to develop this new diagnostic tool for
 patients around the world."
     Approximately 30 million Americans are considered at high risk for lung
 cancer. Early stage detection and treatment of lung cancer can play a role
 in improving survival rates for patients. Currently available diagnostics
 for lung cancer, including chest imaging (X-ray or low-dose CT) and sputum
 cytology often lack the sensitivity and specificity necessary to identify
 early stage disease. As a result, early-stage lung cancer may go
 undiagnosed. In addition, some tests may lead to false-positive results
 that can put patients at risk for unnecessary and potentially harmful
 treatments.
     "U.S. Genomics is excited about working with Rosetta Genomics to
 develop a microRNA-based diagnostic test for the early detection of lung
 cancer," said John Canepa, CEO and president of U.S. Genomics. "Applying
 our Trilogy(R) 2020 single molecule detection platform and our Direct(TM)
 miRNA assays provide for best-in-class detection sensitivity of microRNAs
 without the inherent biases of amplification-based technologies. We are
 optimistic about combining these strengths with Rosetta Genomics'
 proprietary microRNAs to demonstrate the potential for a significantly more
 sensitive and accurate diagnostic test for this devastating disease."
     About Lung Cancer
     Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the
 second most commonly diagnosed cancer. The American Cancer Society predicts
 approximately 174,500 new cases of lung cancer in 2006 and 162,500 lung
 cancer-associated deaths in the United States. Average five-year survival
 rates for patients diagnosed with lung cancer are less than 15%. Five year
 survival rates for patients with advanced stage IV lung cancer are only
 about 5%. The population at highest risk for lung cancer includes
 approximately 30 million men and women between the ages of 50 and 69 who
 are current or former smokers.
     About microRNAs
     MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recently discovered, naturally occurring small
 RNAs that act as regulators of protein translation. Because many diseases
 are caused by the misregulated activity of proteins, the ability to
 selectively regulate protein activity through microRNAs could play a role
 in the treatment of many forms of cancer and other serious illnesses. In
 addition, microRNAs have been shown to have different expression levels in
 certain diseased versus normal tissues. As a result, microRNAs may also
 play a role in helping to identify and diagnose the stage of many diseases.
     About U.S. Genomics
     U.S. Genomics is pioneering single molecule biology technologies for
 life science and biodefense applications by combining advances in
 microfluidics, optics, engineering, and novel molecular labeling
 strategies. Using its DNA mapping technology, the Company is developing
 sophisticated biosensors for the detection and identification of pathogens
 and biomarkers in the air, human serum and other biologically relevant
 materials. The Company's biodefense focus on airborne pathogens has been
 funded in part by $26 million in contracts from the U.S. Department of
 Defense and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Company's
 Trilogy(R) 2020 platform enables the direct detection and analysis of
 individual molecules of DNA, RNA, and proteins without the need for
 amplification. U.S. Genomics' portfolio of products will further a greater
 understanding of genetics and disease pathways and will ultimately lead to
 more effective therapeutics, diagnostics, and biodefense solutions. For
 more information about U.S. Genomics, please visit
 http://www.usgenomics.com.
     Trilogy(R) is a registered trademark and Direct(TM) (as in Direct
 miRNA) and U.S. Genomics(TM) are trademarks of U.S. Genomics, Inc.
     About Rosetta Genomics
     Rosetta Genomics is a leader in the development of microRNA-based
 diagnostics and therapeutics. Founded in 2000, the company's integrative
 research platform combining bioinformatics and state-of-the-art laboratory
 processes has led to the discovery of nearly 360 biologically validated
 novel human microRNAs. Building on its strong intellectual property
 position and strategic alliances with leading biotechnology companies,
 Rosetta Genomics is working to develop a full range of diagnostics and
 therapeutic products based on microRNAs. The company's primary therapeutic
 focus is in the development of microRNA-based products to diagnose and
 treat different forms of cancer.
 
 

SOURCE Rosetta Genomics Ltd.