Rosetta and Rockefeller University Sign MicroRNA Licensing Agreement

Rosetta Genomics and Rockefeller University have announced the signing of a licensing agreement that will allow Rosetta Genomics to access nearly 180 proprietary microRNAs from Rockefeller University.

These microRNAs will be added to Rosetta Genomics's microRNA database, providing the company with additional biomarker candidates for its diagnostic development programs.

Under the terms of the agreement, Rosetta Genomics will be able to use these microRNAs to potentially advance multiple research development programs targeting microRNA based diagnostic tools for a variety of diseases.

"Being one of the first companies to focus on microRNAs, we see ourselves as leaders in this field, and our filed patent applications cover more than half of all biologically validated microRNAs of which we are aware," said Amir Avniel, president and CEO of Rosetta Genomics.

"This agreement positions us to apply our experience and expand our development program further in the years ahead."

"We are now positioned to target a broader range of promising development and commercial opportunities in the microRNA arena."

Rosetta Genomics has developed a proprietary discovery process that has led to the discovery of nearly 360 biologically validated human microRNAs.

The agreement with Rockefeller positions Rosetta Genomics to pursue research based on 530 of the 660 publicly-confirmed microRNA genes in the entire human genome.

Under the terms of the agreement, Rosetta Genomics will pay an initiation fee to Rockefeller University as well as maintenance fees and royalties.