Rosetta Genomics, Moffitt Cancer Center launch three-year alliance

PRINCETON, N.J.—Rosetta Genomics Ltd. and Moffitt Cancer Center have begun a strategic alliance for the discovery, development and commercialization of a number of microRNA-based cancer diagnostics. The alliance will run for three years, with Rosetta providing funding for projects initiated by Moffitt investigators that parallel Rosetta’s strategic priorities. No financial details for the agreement were provided.

“We are excited about the opportunity to develop novel cancer diagnostics for important, unmet medical needs based on our proprietary microRNA platform technologies with Moffitt’s world-class team of oncologists and pathologists who have dedicated their careers to advancing cancer patient care,” Kenneth A. Berlin, president and CEO of Rosetta Genomics, commented in a statement. “New molecularly targeted therapies continue to drive the need for more accurate classification of tumor types, which helps to guide treatment decisions, monitor therapy, predict outcomes and more. Responding to these unmet medical needs, the overall purpose of this alliance is to advance the care of cancer patients through the development of diagnostic assays based on Rosetta’s microRNA technology, which, with its high reproducibility, robustness and accuracy, is well suited to provide this valuable clinical information.”

Rosetta brings with it a proprietary discovery microarray platform with more than 2,500 human microRNAs, as well as its proprietary RT-PCR platform, while Moffitt provides research expertise and a team made up of medical oncologists, pathologists and researchers in clinical and translational research.

“Moffitt is committed to bringing innovative oncology diagnostics to patients in order to optimize clinical outcomes. This goal is particularly well aligned with Rosetta’s expertise, and we are pleased to partner with a known leader in microRNA technology,” said Anthony Magliocco, M.D., chair of the Anatomical Pathology Program and executive director of the Morsani Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at Moffitt. “We look forward to working with the Rosetta team on research collaborations for the development of new, effective diagnostic assays and novel tests. This alliance should produce cutting-edge research and data that can be the subject of scientific publications and presentations. Importantly, the development of such tests will benefit patients, who are the ultimate focus of our work at Moffitt.”

This is the second agreement for the two organizations so far this year. In June, Moffitt and Rosetta announced that they would be working together to advance the development and commercialization of Rosetta’s thyroid neoplasia assay. Per the agreement, Rosetta will be working with Marino Leon, M.D., an associate member of Moffitt’s Department of Anatomic Pathology. Financial details were not disclosed.

SOURCE: Rosetta Genomics press release