Indian Company Markets Rosetta's microRNA-Based Assays

(Rehovot, Israel) and Super Religare Laboratories Ltd (SRL; New Delhi, India) signed an exclusive distribution agreement for Rosetta Genomics' microRNA (miRNA) diagnostic tests. Under the terms of the agreement, SRL will market three miRview tests in India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Samples will be sent from SRL's territories to Rosetta Genomics' Philadelphia-based Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified laboratory for analysis. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The importance of miRNAs in the field of diagnostics and targeted therapy has steadily increased during the last 10 years. The idea of using miRNA-based molecular signatures for identifying or characterization cancer types is also rapidly becoming accepted in clinical practice. Because many diseases are caused by the abnormal activity of proteins, the ability to selectively regulate protein activity through miRNAs could provide the means to treat a wide range of human diseases. In addition, microRNAs have different expression in various pathological conditions-these differences provide for a new diagnostic strategy for many diseases.

SLR will distribute miRview mets, which accurately identifies the primary tumor site in patients presenting with metastatic cancer, as well as in patients whose tumor has not been identified. This type of tumor is known as Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP). miRview mets, a test that offers physicians a fast, accurate, and easy-to-interpret diagnosis of the predicted primary origin of the tumor, will also be distributed. The third Rosetta Genomics test is miRview squamous, which uses a single miRNA to differentiate squamous from nonsquamous, nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

"Partnering with SRL, India's largest diagnostics network is a significant step in our global outreach strategy," noted Ronen Tamir, CCO at Rosetta Genomics. "In addition to benefiting from their strong market penetration in India, SRL will allow us to expand our reach to other regions such as the UAE. Our unique technology, mainly the use of microRNAs as biomarkers, and their stability in Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) blocks, will enable us to easily receive samples from around the world, without the need for temperature controlled shipments."

Rosetta Genomics is a developer of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics. The company's integrative research platform combines bioinformatics with state-of-the-art laboratory processes that have led to the discovery of hundreds of biologically validated new human microRNAs.

SRL has a far-reaching network including "wellness centers housing facilities" such as imaging, radiology, and allied diagnostics. Two years ago, SRL started a dedicated wellness initiative to concentrate in the field of preventive and predictive diagnostics. The company intends to continue providing new diagnostic solutions, and to assist doctors and patients in India and abroad.

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Rosetta Genomics
Super Religare Laboratories