USPTO Allows Claims Covering Human microRNAs miR-21, hcmv-miR-UL112 To Rosetta Genomics

The first, covering human microRNA miR-21, was derived from the ‘Tuschl III’ patent series that is assigned to the Max Planck Society, Berlin, Germany and is used in Rosetta’s miRview mets and miRview squamous diagnostic assays. Rosetta holds a co-exclusive license to miR-21 in diagnostic applications, and a non-exclusive license for the research use field.

Additionally, the second patent application, covering Sanger viral hcmv-miR-UL112 and its precursor, was shown to suppress the human (host) immune system during viral infection. The allowed claims are directed to the miR, its hairpin, its complement, a DNA encoding the same, a sequence 80% identical to, a vector and a probe comprising the same.

Kenneth Berlin, president and chief executive officer of Rosetta Genomics, said: “Rosetta Genomics owns or has access to intellectual property related to microRNAs that is among the broadest of any commercial entity, and these two notices of allowance further solidify our position.

“Our patent applications and issued patents cover approximately 51% of publicly registered microRNAs, plus 168 non-public, newly discovered microRNAs. microRNAs are at the forefront of an exciting revolution in personalised medicine and we believe that Rosetta is leading the way in diagnostic uses as we harness this knowledge to advance our deep pipeline of products.”

Rosetta Genomics has filed more than 20 patent applications worldwide to protect each aspect of its commercial diagnostic products. Many of these applications protect the specific microRNAs used in the company’s products. In addition, the company is pursuing more than 50 patent applications to protect methods of detecting microRNAs and methods of diagnosing and treating diseases with microRNAs.