After a rough patch in 2010 and 2011, things are looking up at Rosetta Genomics. In September the company reported a fourfold increase in revenues compared with the same period a year ago as well as increased demand for its Rosetta Cancer Origin Test and a strong cash position.

Now, the company is reporting a second research agreement with Ramot at Tel Aviv University (TAU) for the development of a nano-carrier system with miR mimetic technology. Scientists from both organizations say this system can enhance the stability, intracellular trafficking, and efficacy of miRNA.

The results of the joint research project will be jointly owned by Rosetta Genomics and Ramot. Rosetta Genomics will fund the research to be performed at Tel Aviv University.

“This research collaboration represents a cost-effective and efficient way for us to expand our footprint into cancer therapeutics by leveraging the company’s valuable microRNA intellectual property,” Kenneth A. Berlin, president of Rosetta Genomics, said in a statement.

In August Rosetta Genomics and Ramot received a grant from the Israeli Office of the Chief Scientist to support the first year development of oncology therapeutics utilizing Rosetta Genomics’ microRNA technology combined with TAU’s delivery system. They are specifically working on a duplex RNA molecule that mimics the sequence and activity of miR-34a. miR-34a is a tumor suppressor microRNA that is downregulated in many cancers, and it is believed that replacing miR-34a holds great therapeutic potential. TAU’s delivery system is a water-soluble hyperbranched polymer that accumulates in the tumor environment due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect, a hallmark of angigoenic blood vessels.

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