• Rosetta Genomics (Philadelphia) released initial data relating to the company's colorectal cancer screening diagnostics test, miRscreen colon, which is based on a simple blood draw, and is expected to be released next year. The company's scientists and collaborators have identified microRNA biomarkers in serum, which have the potential to accurately differentiate colorectal cancer patients from healthy individuals. MicroRNAs 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. Since many diseases are caused by the abnormal activity of proteins, the ability to selectively regulate protein activity through microRNAs could provide the means to treat a wide range of human diseases. In addition, microRNAs have been shown to have different expression in various pathological conditions. As a result, these differences may provide for a novel diagnostic strategy for many diseases.

• ViraCor Laboratories (Kansas City, Missouri) reported the launch of a new cytomegalovirus (CMV) antiviral resistance test that it claims provides diagnosis days faster than other tests on the market. ViraCor says that the molecular test accurately detects key genetic mutations associated with antiviral resistance in CMV in three days or less. Turnaround time on most CMV antiviral resistance tests is up to two weeks. By quickly and accurately identifying if a patient has an antiviral resistant CMV infection, physicians can begin or modify the appropriate treatment regiments faster, which reduces healthcare costs and potentially saves lives. Common antiviral therapies for CMV include ganciclovir, valganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir. ViraCor's CMV Antiviral Resistance test detects key mutations associated with resistance by sequencing the CMV UL97 phosphotransferase gene and the CMV UL54 DNA polymerase gene. Mutations in the UL97 phosphotransferase gene have been associated with ganciclovir resistance. Mutations in the UL54 DNA polymerase gene have been associated with resistance to ganciclovir, foscarnet, and cidofovir. As part of this new testing service, ViraCor provides scientific analysis and clinical interpretation of gene mutations associated with antiviral resistance.

• W.L. Gore & Associates (Flagstaff, Arizona) said that Peter Soukas, MD, interventional cardiologist from Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical Center (Boston), enrolled the first patient in the Gore EMBOLDEN Clinical Study on Jan. 6. The first patient was recently symptomatic and over 90 years of age. The greater than 95% stenosis in the internal carotid artery was successfully stented under protection by the Gore Embolic Filter. Soukas said, "In spite of the near-total occlusion, the Gore Embolic Filter crossed easily and provided a stable platform for the remainder of the procedure. Moreover, the filter captured an impressive amount of embolic debris. One particularly large particle of plaque that was retrieved by the device would likely have put the patient at risk for a symptomatic event." The Gore Embolic Filter uses a diamond frame. The diamond frame is designed to optimize vessel wall apposition and filter efficiency, even in tortuous vessels with small landing zones and tight curves.