Rosetta Genomics, GTG sign exclusive distribution agreement

Oct 22 2009

Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (NASDAQ:ROSG), a leading developer of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, and Genetic Technologies Limited (GTG) (NASDAQ:GENE) (ASX:GTG), the leading private genetic testing laboratory in Australia, announced today the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement for Rosetta Genomics’ three currently available diagnostic tests. Under the terms of the agreement, GTG will market Rosetta Genomics’ miRview™ tests in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. Further financial terms were not disclosed.

“We have made remarkable progress in making our tests so widely available in the short time since they were launched early this year,” said Ronen Tamir, Chief Commercialization Officer of Rosetta Genomics. “We note that this distribution agreement marks Rosetta Genomics’ first entry into the Pacific Rim and represents the fifth continent on which our miRview™ tests will be sold.”

Mr. Tamir added, “Genetic Technologies is the leading marketer of genetic tests for a host of indications, including breast cancer, in Oceania. In addition, distinguishing mesothelioma from other lung cancers may be a particularly important task in Australia, where the mining industry is a key component of the country’s economy. We are very excited to be working with GTG to improve patient care.”

Paul MacLeman, Chief Executive Officer of Genetic Technologies, said, “This is an important first step in Genetic Technologies’ move from predictive gene tests into advanced cancer management. We are seeking to leverage in-house developed tests through partnering with third party developers of novel tests. Through this approach, the company is aiming to rapidly build a comprehensive portfolio of genetic tools enabling oncologists to more effectively manage patient diagnosis and therapy, which may improve treatment outcomes. Genetic Technologies is very excited to announce its relationship with Rosetta Genomics, an acknowledged leader in the area of microRNA diagnostic test development.”

The following tests will be distributed by Genetic Technologies:

• 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. When administered targeted therapy, whether currently available or under development, patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung have demonstrated varying response patterns ranging from a high incidence of severe or fatal internal bleeding in the lungs to overall poor response to treatment. Current methods for differentiating squamous from non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer are not standardized, are difficult to reproduce and have low accuracy. miRview squamous produces a single score that indicates whether a sample is squamous or non squamous NSCLC.
• miRview™ meso – This test leverages microRNA’s high specificity as biomarkers to differentiate mesothelioma, a cancer connected to asbestos exposure, from other carcinomas in the lung. As mesothelioma patients require specific treatment regimens, an accurate diagnosis is critical. Currently, there is no single diagnostic test that is entirely conclusive for this differentiation. In addition, pathological diagnosis may suffer from significant inter-observer variability, and in the absence of a single specific and reliable marker mesothelioma can be difficult to identify from other cancers. miRview™ meso is a highly accurate test that may also assist physicians to rule out mesothelioma in patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in the lung who have been exposed to mesothelioma-related substances, primarily asbestos particles and heavy metals.