Business Wire GERON CORPORATION ANNOUNCES ISSUANCE OF PATENTS FOR HUMAN TELOMERASE BUSINESS EDITORS & HEALTH/MEDICAL WRITERS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 1, 1999--Geron
Corporation (Nasdaq:GERN.O) announced today the issuance of seven
patents, including several relating to human telomerase.
The issuance of these patents brings Geron's portfolio to 48
issued U.S. patents, five allowed U.S. patent applications and 11
granted foreign patents. In addition, Geron has over 270 pending
patent applications.
-0-
*T
The newly issued patents are as follows:
U.S. Patent No. 5,968,506, issued Oct. 19, 1999, with claims
covering purified human telomerase.
Swiss Patent No. 689,672, issued Aug. 13, 1999, with claims
covering the cloned human telomerase protein.
Australian Patent No. 701,903, issued May 27, 1999, with claims
covering the RNA component of human telomerase.
U.S. Patent No. 5,958,680, issued Sept. 28, 1999, with claims covering
methods for inhibiting telomerase activity in human cells.
U.S. Patent No. 5,891,639, issued April 6, 1999, with claims covering
methods for measuring telomerase activity in samples, including
human body fluids.
U.S. Patent No. 5,972,605, issued Oct. 26, 1999, with claims covering
methods of screening for compounds that modulate transcription of
mammalian telomerase.
U.S. Patent No. 5,965,543, issued Oct. 12, 1999, relating to genetic
elements that up-regulate transcription during senescence.
*T
-0-
Geron's vice president of intellectual property, Dr. David J.
Earp, commented that, "The issuance of these patents further
strengthens Geron's patent position on human telomerase. We are
pleased with the issuance of patents directed to the cloned human
telomerase and purified human telomerase. The use of telomerase to
extend the life span of human cells both for research and clinical
purposes has broad potential. These patents, together with our
previously issued patents and our pending applications exemplify
Geron's continuing leadership in the field."
Geron Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on
discovering, developing and commercializing therapeutic and diagnostic
products to treat cancer and other age-related chronic degenerative
diseases. Geron's technology platform includes the discovery of small
molecule inhibitors of telomerase for cancer therapy; telomere and
telomerase-based research and diagnostic tools; telomerase activation
to extend the replicative lifespan of normal cells; and complementary
stem cell, gene therapy and nuclear transfer approaches to restore the
function of degenerating organs.
The company desires to take advantage of the "safe harbor"
provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Specifically, the company wishes to alert readers that the matters
discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking
statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties,
including risks inherent in research and development efforts,
enforcement of patents and proprietary rights, need for future
capital, potential competition and uncertainty of regulatory approvals
or clearances. Actual results may differ materially from the results
anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Additional
information on potential factors that could affect the company's
results is included in the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the year quarter ended June 30, 1999.
Further information on Geron Corporation can be obtained at
geron.com. To receive an index and copies of press
releases, call Geron's News On Demand toll-free service, 800/782-3279.
--30--ari/sf* mtl/sf
CONTACT: Geron Corporation
Nancy Robinson, 650/473-7700
or
Burns McClellan
John Nugent, 212/213-0006
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL ASIA/PACIFIC
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MEDICAL PHARMACEUTICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY GOVERNMENT
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
URL: businesswire.com |
