Rosetta Genomics, Ltd, a leading developer of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics, and Super Religare Laboratories Limited (SRL), India's largest diagnostics network, have signed an exclusive distribution agreement for Rosetta Genomics' three currently-available diagnostic tests.

Under the terms of the agreement, SRL will market Rosetta Genomics' miRview tests in India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Samples will be sent from SRL's territories to Rosetta Genomics' Philadelphia-based CLIA-certified laboratory for analysis.

The agreement between Rosetta and SRL also envisages joint cooperation and collaboration between the two companies to conduct field trials for development of tests and assays an exchange of information for development of new technologies and leading edge diagnostic solutions.

The Rosetta Genomics tests that will be distributed by SRL in India include miRview mets (to accurately identify the primary tumour site in patients with metastatic cancer); miRview squamous (this differentiates squamous from non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients) and miRview meso (to differentiate mesothelioma, a cancer connected to asbestos exposure, from other carcinomas in the lung).

Speaking on the occasion, Ronen Tamir, chief commercialization officer at Rosetta Genomics, said, "Partnering with SRL, India's largest diagnostics network, is a significant step in our global outreach strategy." In addition to their strong market penetration in India, SRL will allow us to expand our reach to other regions such as the UAE.

"Our unique technology, mainly the use of microRNAs as biomarkers, and their stability in Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) blocks, enables us to easily receive samples from around the world, without the need for temperature controlled shipments. We are very excited to have SRL join our growing distribution network, and are looking forward to bringing our miRview tests to their regions," Tamir said.

Enumerating on the tie-up, Dr Sanjeev Chaudhry, CEO, Super Religare Laboratories, said, "Almost within a decade of their discovery, miRNAs are gaining immense importance in the field of diagnostics and targeted therapy. The novel concept of miRNA based molecular signatures for identifying or characterization cancer types is rapidly getting accepted in clinical practice. In view of these developments globally, SRL has established a strategic collaboration with Rosetta Genomics for offering the world's first miRNA based diagnostic tests for benefit of patients in India and across the different territories."

SRL's Molecular Diagnostics Services offer a most comprehensive range of Molecular Assays for Infectious Diseases, Genetic Disorders and Cancers. "Inclusion of the three innovative and advanced miRNA based tests in SRL's Molecular Diagnostics test menu is a positive step forward mainly for solid tumors, which usually pose diagnostic dilemmas for our Pathologists/Oncologists. We are hopeful that this partnership will help us to rapidly transition the novel discoveries for effectively improving the patient care," added Dr Chaudhry.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recently discovered, naturally occurring, small RNAs that act as master regulators and have the potential to form the basis for a new class of diagnostics and therapeutics.