Rosetta and Moffitt Partner to Develop microRNA Cancer Diagnostic

(Princeton, NJ, USA; Rehovot, Israel), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics and therapeutics, has entered into an agreement with Moffitt Cancer Center (Tampa, FL, USA) to advance the development and commercialization of Rosetta's thyroid neoplasia assay. Rosetta will work with Marino Leon, MD, associate member of the department of anatomic pathology at Moffitt.

Kenneth A. Berlin, president and CEO of Rosetta Genomics commented, “Results from our initial studies demonstrated that microRNA expression levels can differentiate malignant nodules from benign nodules, and also demonstrated our ability to extract and profile microRNAs from thyroid fine-needle aspirations [FNAs] in various sample types and in a way consistent with common clinical practices. This agreement with Moffitt will help us further advance the development of this important assay, and should allow us to achieve our goal of launching this important assay prior to the end of 2015.”

Dr. Marino Leon noted, “Many patients with indeterminate thyroid FNA results are sent to surgery as a precaution, despite the fact that the majority of these cases are benign. This exposes patients to unnecessary surgical risk and costs the system hundreds of millions of dollars.”

Rosetta Genomics cancer tests are a series of microRNA-based diagnostic testing services. The Rosetta Cancer Origin test can accurately identify the primary tumor type in primary and metastatic cancer including cancer of unknown or uncertain primary (CUP). The company’s assays are offered directly by Rosetta Genomics in the United States, and through distributors around the world. Rosetta’s cancer testing services are commercially available through its Philadelphia (PA, USA)-based College of American Pathologists (CAP)-accredited, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified lab.

Rosetta’s research platform combining bioinformatics and state-of-the-art laboratory processes has led to the discovery of hundreds of biologically validated novel human microRNAs. Rosetta is working on the application of these technologies in the development and commercialization of a full range of microRNA-based diagnostic tools and therapeutics.

Moffitt is one of only 41 US National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt's excellence in research, its contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt is the No. 1 cancer hospital in Florida and has been listed in US News & World Report as one of “America's Best Hospitals” for cancer since 1999.

Related Links:
Rosetta Genomics
Moffitt Cancer Center