The animal-model study demonstrated a marked suppression of a microRNA that was found to be over expressed in human hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC), and a significant two-fold reduction of tumor mass.
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.
Amir Avniel, president and CEO of Rosetta Genomics, said: “While Rosetta’s clear focus is on developing diagnostics, this collaborative project with Regulus is an example of how we intend to leverage the tremendous potential that microRNA holds in therapeutics and other domains.
“Every one of our diagnostic biomarkers is also a potential drug target, and we intend to form strategic alliances with suitable biopharma partners to leverage and commercialize these opportunities.”