Orlando, FL 5/16/12 (StreetBeat) -- Rosetta Genomics Ltd. (Nasdaq: ROSG), a leading developer and provider of microRNA-based molecular diagnostic tests, today announced that Novitas, the designated Medicare Administrative Contractor for the Company's miRview® mets² assay, has informed Rosetta that it plans to cover this assay for all Medicare beneficiaries. MiRview® mets² accurately identifies the primary tumor of origin in primary and metastatic cancer including Cancer of Unknown or Uncertain Primary ("CUP")."This is a major commercial achievement for Rosetta Genomics asMedicare coverage is a critical step toward widespread commercial adoption and payment for our lead diagnostic assay, miRview® mets², and enables access to this clinically valuable test to Medicare patients. This decision is important not only because Medicare is the largest U.S. payor, covering a large percentage of the patients for whom miRview® mets² has been ordered historically and would be expected to be ordered in the future, but also because private payors often look to Medicare's decisions when setting their own reimbursement policies," noted Kenneth A. Berlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rosetta Genomics. "We are particularly pleased with how rapidly we obtained Medicare coverage, as we launched our direct selling effort in the U.S. just one year ago.
"The decision by Novitas to cover the miRview® mets² assay reflects the clinical importance of determining the tumor origin in hard-to-diagnose metastatic cancers and CUP. This is particularly important as new, targeted cancer treatments are developed for site-specific cancers. We believe that the miRview® mets² assay is an important tool that can improve the ability of physicians to accurately diagnose CUP in order to optimize treatment plans," added Mr. Berlin.
The policy will cover the 45 million Medicare beneficiaries and will enable Rosetta to provide the miRview® mets2 assay for Medicare beneficiaries throughout the U.S. at no cost to the patient, thereby eliminating an adoption barrier for the physician ordering the test and for the patient. Novitas' decision is based on the extensive body of clinical data published in peer-reviewed journals from clinical studies conducted internally as well as at leading institutions. Once the Novitas decision is finalized with respect to reimbursement level, we will focus our efforts on obtaining appropriate coverage and reimbursement from commercial payors.
"This coverage decision will allow all appropriate Medicare patients access to the miRview® mets² assay and further recognizes the value that our assays are delivering to physicians, payors and patients. We look forward to continuing our dialogue with Novitas, and to their final decision on reimbursement level within the coming weeks," concluded Mr. Berlin.
About miRview® Products
miRview® are a series of microRNA-based diagnostic products offered by Rosetta Genomics. miRview® mets and miRview® mets² accurately identify the primary tumor type in primary and metastatic cancer including Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP). miRview® squamous accurately identifies the squamous subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, which carries an increased risk of severe or fatal internal bleeding and poor response to treatment for certain therapies. miRview® meso diagnoses mesothelioma, a cancer connected to asbestos exposure. miRview® lung accurately identifies the four main subtypes of lung cancer using small amounts of tumor cells. miRview® kidney accurately classifies the four most common kidney tumors: Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), Papillary RCC, Chromophobe RCC and Oncocytoma. miRview® tests are designed to provide objective diagnostic data; it is the treating physician's responsibility to diagnose and administer the appropriate treatment. In the U.S. alone, Rosetta Genomics estimates that 200,000 patients a year may benefit from the miRview® mets and miRview® mets² test, 60,000 from miRview® squamous, 60,000 from miRview® meso, 54,000 from miRview® kidney and more than 1 million patients worldwide from miRview® lung. The Company's tests are offered directly by Rosetta Genomics in the U.S., and through distributors around the globe. For more information, please visitwww.mirviewdx.com. Parties interested in ordering the test can contact Rosetta Genomics at (215) 382-9000 ext. 309.
About Rosetta Genomics
Rosetta Genomics develops and commercializes a full range of microRNA-based molecular diagnostics. Founded in 2000, the Company's integrative research platform combining bioinformatics and state-of-the-art laboratory processes has led to the discovery of hundreds of biologically validated novel human microRNAs. Building on its strong patent position and proprietary platform technologies, Rosetta Genomics is working on the application of these technologies in the development and commercialization of a full range of microRNA-based diagnostic tools. The Company's miRview® product line is commercially available through its Philadelphia-based CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified lab. To learn more, please visitwww.rosettagenomics.com.
Please contact www.thestreetbeat.com for interest in our latest investor relations platform the “CEO Interview Series” with its host Steve Kanaval. The package includes a one-on-one interview with a seasoned industry professional; published segment to our web site with embedded audio/video file; and a compressed file that can be easily e-mailed out to your current and/or potential investors. Please e-mail bflautt@gmail.com or call (662) 392-0740 for pricing and scheduling.
StreetBeat Disclaimer
No comments:
Post a Comment