Aug. 19, 2009 (Business Wire) -- Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDAQ:ROSG), a leading developer of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, and Super Religare Laboratories Limited (SRL), India’s largest diagnostics network, announced today that they have signed an exclusive distribution agreement for Rosetta Genomics’ three currently-available diagnostic tests. Under the terms of the agreement, SRL will market Rosetta Genomics’ miRview™ tests in India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Samples will be sent from SRL’s territories to Rosetta Genomics’ Philadelphia-based CLIA-certified laboratory for analysis. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Partnering with SRL, India’s largest diagnostics network, is a significant step in our global outreach strategy,” noted Ronen Tamir, Chief Commercialization Officer 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. We are very excited to have SRL join our growing distribution network, and are looking forward to bringing our miRview tests to their regions.”
“Almost within a decade of their discovery, microRNAs are gaining immense importance in the field of diagnostics and targeted therapy. The novel concept of microRNA based molecular signatures for identifying or characterization cancer types is rapidly getting accepted in clinical practice. In view of these developments globally, SRL has established a strategic collaboration with Rosetta Genomics for offering world's first microRNA based diagnostic tests for benefit of patients in India and across the different territories. SRL’s Molecular Diagnostics Services offer a most comprehensive range of Molecular Assays for Infectious Diseases, Genetic Disorders and Cancers. Inclusion of the three innovative and advanced microRNA based tests in SRL’s Molecular Diagnostics test menu is a positive step forward mainly for solid tumors, which usually pose diagnostic dilemmas for our Pathologists/Oncologists. We are hopeful that this partnership will help us to rapidly transition the novel discoveries for effectively improving the patient care,” said Dr Sanjeev Chaudhry, CEO, Super Religare Laboratories.
The two companies have also discussed the possibility to expand their relationship into research and development projects.
The following tests will be distributed by SRL:
- miRview™ mets – This test can accurately identify the primary tumor site in patients presenting with metastatic cancer, as well in patients whose tumor has not been identified, and consequently been labeled Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP). As metastases need to be treated according to their primary origin, accurate identification of the metastases’ primary origin can be critical for determining appropriate treatment. Current diagnostic methods to identify the origin of a metastasis include a wide range of costly, time consuming, and at times inefficient tests. miRview™ mets offers physicians a fast, accurate, and easy to interpret diagnosis of the predicted primary origin.
- miRview™ squamous – Using a single microRNA, miRview™ squamous differentiates squamous from non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.
