NYU, Israeli firm developing microRNA-based test for melanoma

New York - Rosetta Genomics Ltd., an Israel-based firm specializing in the field of microRNA and RNAi, will collaborate with NYU Medical Center to develop a melanoma diagnostic test based on microRNA profiles, PRNewswire reports.

Rosetta Genomics officials say the firm’s diagnostic engine has enabled it to discover the majority of known microRNA sequences, for which it has submitted a series of patent applications. With this proprietary engine, Rosetta will screen more than 700 microRNAs (many of which are not publicly available) in order to identify the right signature, which will potentially be able to quickly and efficiently find the right prognostic indicator test for melanomas.

Melanoma is one of the leading causes of skin cancer deaths, accounting for 48,000 fatalities worldwide each year. This collaboration seeks to identify microRNAs that can be used as prognostic indicators for the overall survival of melanoma patients and the risk that the disease will metastasize to distant sites.

While the melanoma diagnostic test is still in the early stages, Rosetta Genomics plans to launch three diagnostic products in 2008 that include a test for cancer of unknown primary (CUP) and two differential diagnostic tests related to lung cancer.