Rosetta Genomics Reports First Ever In-Vivo Efficacy Data for a Systemic MicroRNA Therapeutic for Liver Cancer
Posted on: Thursday, 12 February 2009, 07:30 CST
Liver cancer is the third cause of cancer death globally, affecting over 19,000 patients annually in the US alone. Prognosis is extremely grim, with nine out of ten patients dying within 5 years. Sorafenib (Nexavar(R)), the only oral anti-cancer drug currently approved for systemic therapy for HCC, extends survival by approximately 3 months.[1]
Rosetta's scientists first identified miR-191, a microRNA that is abnormally over-expressed in human liver cancer cells, and which when inhibited effectively reduces cell proliferation and promotes cell-death of these liver tumor cells. The scientists then used an in-vivo model called Orthotopic Xenograft, in which an artificial tumor fragment derived from a human liver cancer cell line is transplanted into livers of mice, in order to evaluate the efficacy of systemic microRNA-based treatment in these mice. Chemically modified antisense oligos (ASOs) were delivered systemically, targeting the over-expressed microRNA. Using this animal model, the scientists have shown that the targeted microRNA was markedly decreased in mice livers and was practically undetectable within the tumor itself, and that the tumor mass was significantly reduced two-fold, within 40 days of treatment.
Interestingly, the researchers showed that Dioxin, one of the most toxic substance ever identified and a known liver cancer carcinogen,[2] markedly increases the expression of the targeted microRNA.
"We view this study as a landmark event in the development of microRNA
based cancer therapeutics" said
The data presented at the conference is now available for downloading on the company's website at: http://www.rosettagenomics.com/HCC-study
The study is supported by a grant from the BIRD foundation. [1] Llovet et al., Sorafenib improves survival in advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Results of a Phase III randomized placebo-controlled Trial (SHARP trial), Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2007 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings Part I. Vol 25, No. 18S (June 20 Supplement), 2007: LBA1 [2] Health Risks from Dioxin and Related Compounds, National Research Council, National Academies Press, 2006Nexavar(R) (sorafenib) is a registered trademark of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
About Rosetta Genomics
Rosetta Genomics (Nasdaq: ROSG) is a leading developer of microRNA-based
molecular diagnostics. 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
tools. The company's first three microRNA-based tests, miRview(TM) squamous,
miRview(TM) mets, and miRview(TM) meso, are commercially available through
its
About MicroRNA
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 and therapeutic strategy for many diseases.
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 microRNAs in human physiology and disease, the
potential of microRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, and the
success and timing of the hepatocellular carcinoma therapeutic program,
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 and
therapeutic tools, which is unproven and may never lead to commercially
accepted products or services; Rosetta's ability to fund and the results of
further pre-clinical and clinical trials; Rosetta's ability to obtain,
maintain and protect the 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 and its
ability to operate without infringing the proprietary rights of others;
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; Rosetta's
ability to successfully develop and commercialize its candidate tools,
products and services; Rosetta's ability to obtain regulatory clearances or
approvals that may be required for its products and services; the ability to
obtain coverage and adequate payment from health insurers for the products
and services comprising Rosetta's technology; 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 in the "Risk Factors"
section of Rosetta's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended
SOURCE Rosetta Genomics Ltd
Source: PR Newswire
Related Articles
- Regulus Therapeutics and Collaborators Discover Role of Viral microRNAs in Cancer and Identify First-Ever Example of a Viral microRNA Oncogene
- Viragen Shifts Development Focus for Anti-Cancer Products
- AVEO Pharmaceuticals Presents a Novel System for the Generation of Fully Human Breast Tumors in Mice at AACR 2006
- Advaxis' Cervical Cancer Vaccine Approved for Human Testing
- Sonus Pharmaceuticals and Schering AG Announce Global Licensing Agreement for Anti-Cancer Product TOCOSOL(R) Paclitaxel
- Schering AG and Sonus Pharmaceuticals Announce Global Licensing Agreement for Anti-Cancer Product TOCOSOL(R) Paclitaxel
- Review of the First Commercially Approved Gene Therapy Product Presented in Human Gene Therapy
- Update on Dose-Escalation Trial of TNFerade in Pancreatic Cancer Shows Dose-Dependent Improvements in Tumor Shrinkage and Resectability and Patient Survival
- Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Results in Alterations in Preoperative Tumor Marker Status
- Human Endosialin (Tumor Endothelial Marker 1) Is Abundantly Expressed in Highly Malignant and Invasive Brain Tumors
 |
 |
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds