Rosetta Genomics is Issued Another Patent Relating to MicroRNAs
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Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. has announced that on July 31, 2007, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued Rosetta Genomics U.S. Patent No. 7,250,496.
The patent, relating to a human microRNA miR-492, is the second composition-of-matter patent that the USPTO has issued to Rosetta Genomics but is the first patent issued to it related to a human microRNA. The first microRNA gene patent ever issued worldwide was issued to Rosetta Genomics by the USPTO in May 2007 for a viral microRNA.
This recent patent issuance is part of Rosetta Genomics overall Intellectual Property (IP) strategy. This strategy is designed to establish a broad and integrated IP Portfolio upon which the company is building its microRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic discovery engines.
The portfolio covers broadly both human and viral microRNAs and consists of three main efforts:
• Protect all microRNA sequences and microRNA targets - Rosetta Genomics has filed patent applications covering all potential applications relating to a specific sequence. These include the microRNA pre-cursor, the specific microRNA sequence, and the predicted target of the microRNA.
• Protect uses of microRNA sequences and targets for development of diagnostics and therapeutics - Rosetta Genomics has filed patent applications covering the use of microRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. These applications are based on research conducted by the company demonstrating the potential of microRNAs as both biomarkers and drug targets.
• Protect enabling technologies necessary for the extraction, identification and quantification of microRNAs - Rosetta Genomics has filed patent applications covering its proprietary technologies which allow for the extraction, identification and quantification of microRNA. Included in these applications are microRNA extraction protocols for various body fluids such as serum, saliva, urine and amniotic fluid; tissue samples including fresh/frozen, and Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE), as well as highly specific and sensitive microarray and qRT-PCR technologies.
"We believe this most recent patent issuance, further validates our leading intellectual property estate," said Amir Avniel Rosetta Genomics' CEO, "Since 2002, we have been systematically filing patent applications intended to broadly protect our ability to develop cutting-edge microRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics. We expect to see additional patents issue in the coming months and years, placing Rosetta Genomics at the forefront of the microRNA and RNAi diagnostic and therapeutic sectors."
