Rosetta Genomics Announces Expansion of its MicroRNA Intellectual Property Estate

REHOVOT, Israel and JERSEY CITY, New Jersey, Apr. 28 /PRNewswire/ --

REHOVOT, Israel and JERSEY CITY, New Jersey, April 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Rosetta Genomics , a leading developer of microRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics, announced today that it has signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Rockefeller University for research application of proprietary microRNA genes. The agreement encompasses viral and human microRNAs that will be added to Rosetta Genomics' existing intellectual property (IP) estate, which includes two issued patents, two allowed patent applications, and 60 pending patent applications.

"As leaders in the microRNA field, we view our strong intellectual property position as a key component of our business strategy, allowing us the freedom to advance the company and its pipeline." said Amir Avniel, President and CEO of Rosetta. "Our strategy continues to focus on supplementing our in-house IP portfolio with licensing agreements with key academic centers such as Rockefeller University."

Rosetta Genomics has previously licensed Rockefeller University's proprietary microRNAs for therapeutic and diagnostic uses, and this recent agreement allows the company access to a full range of potential microRNA applications based on these microRNAs.

In addition to its non-exclusive license of Rockefeller University's microRNAs, Rosetta Genomics estimates it has exclusive access to the majority of known microRNA genes through proprietary microRNAs discovered at Rosetta Genomics and microRNAs co-discovered by The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and exclusively licensed to the Company. In addition, the Company has non-exclusively licensed for research and diagnostic applications microRNAs discovered by the Max Planck Society. From this strong IP position, Rosetta Genomics is developing a wide range of microRNA-based diagnostic tests for cancer and other indications.

About microRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recently discovered, naturally occurring, small RNAs that act as master regulators and have the potential to form the basis for a new class of diagnostics and therapeutics. Since many diseases are caused by the abnormal activity of proteins, the ability to selectively regulate protein activity through microRNAs could provide the means to treat a wide range of human diseases. In addition, microRNAs have been shown to have different expression in various pathological conditions. As a result, these differences may provide for a novel diagnostic strategy for many diseases.

About Rockefeller University

The Rockefeller University is a world-renowned center for research and graduate education in the biomedical sciences, chemistry, and physics. Founded by John D. Rockefeller in 1901, the university has been the site of many important scientific breakthroughs. Rockefeller scientists established that DNA is the chemical basis of heredity, discovered blood groups, showed that viruses can cause cancer, founded the modern field of cell biology, and worked out the structure of antibodies. Twenty-three Nobel Prize winners have been associated with the university.

For more information please visit: http://www.rockefeller.edu

About Rosetta Genomics

Rosetta Genomics is a leader in the field of microRNA. Founded in 2000, the company's integrative research platform combining bioinformatics and state-of-the-art laboratory processes has led to the discovery of hundreds of biologically validated novel human microRNAs . Building on its strong IP position and proprietary platform technologies, Rosetta Genomics is working on the application of these technologies in the development of a full range of microRNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic tools, focusing primarily on cancer and various women's health indications. The company expects that the first microRNA diagnostic tests applying its technology will be launched by licensed clinical laboratories in the United States in 2008. http://www.rosettagenomics.com

Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

Various statements in this release concerning Rosetta's future expectations, plans and prospects, including without limitation, statements relating to the role of miRNAs in human physiology and disease, the potential of microRNAs in the development of therapeutics and diagnostic products, and the expected timing of the launch of the first microRNA diagnostic tests applying its technology, constitute forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including risks related to: Rosetta's approach to discover and develop novel diagnostics products, which is unproven and may never lead to marketable products; Rosetta's ability to fund and the results of further pre-clinical and clinical trials; obtaining, maintaining and protecting intellectual property utilized by Rosetta's products; Rosetta's ability to enforce its patents against infringers and to defend its patent portfolio against challenges from third parties; Rosetta's ability to obtain additional funding to support its business activities; Rosetta's dependence on third parties for development, manufacture, marketing, sales, and distribution of products; the successful development of Rosetta's product candidates, all of which are in early stages of development; obtaining regulatory approval for products; competition from others using technology similar to Rosetta's and others developing products for similar uses; Rosetta's dependence on collaborators; and Rosetta's short operating history; as well as those risks more fully discussed under "Key Information - Risk Factors" in Rosetta's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2006 on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent Rosetta's views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Rosetta does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements unless required by law.

Contact: Media: Rachel Spielman, T: +1-212-583-2714, E: media@rosettagenomics.com ; Investors: Ron Kamienchick, T: +1-646-509-1893, E: investors@rosettagenomics.com .