MicroRNA-based molecular diagnostics developer Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (Nasdaq:ROSG) and its collaborators have unveiled initial data on the company's colorectal cancer screening diagnostics test, miRscreen colon, which is based on a simple blood draw. The company expects to release the product next year, although more clinical trials will be needed.
The miRscreen colon product could be highly significant for the company, since testing for colon cancer once every few years is recommended for everyone over 50. Current diagnosis is by colonoscopy, which is expensive, labor intensive, and unpleasant. Many people therefore prefer foregoing the test and ignoring the recommendation.
Rosetta identified the microRNA biomarkers in serum that have the potential to accurately differentiate colorectal cancer patients from healthy people. The product has shown that two microRNA biomarkers identified colon cancer patients from healthy people with 91% sensitivity and 72% specificity. Although this level of accuracy still requires patients undergoing further tests, it should greatly reduce the need for colonoscopies and encourage patients to undergo a colonoscopy if the results of the miRscreen colon exam are negative.
At the regulatory level, Rosetta can obtain US market certification in-house, following its acquisition of an authorized certifier last year. At the marketing level, the company still has to persuade doctors, patients, and insurance companies of the importance and effectiveness of its diagnostic product.
In recent months, Rosetta has launched a number of diagnostic tests for various cancers at a cost of thousands of dollars per test. Rosetta's share rose 10.9% on Friday to $2.45, giving a market cap of $29.8 million.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 19, 2009
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