Geron Presents Data on Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Diabetes
MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 18, 2004--Geron
Corporation (Nasdaq:GERN) announced today the presentation of studies
which show that insulin-producing cells can be differentiated from
human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). In these studies, presented at the
Cell Transplant Society Meeting in Boston, Geron scientists reported
improvements in the differentiation and characterization of the cells
and early engraftment results from transplant studies in animal
models.
Anish Sen Majumdar Ph.D., Geron's director of immunology, reported
on the differentiation of islet cells from hESCs. Geron scientists
have developed a three-step differentiation protocol that yields a
population containing cells with many of the features of islet cells.
During the differentiation protocol, appropriate temporal expression
of markers characteristic of progressively more mature precursors of
islet cells were observed. The final product contained cell aggregates
where insulin- and glucagon-expressing cells were found in close
apposition. Insulin and glucagon are important hormones produced by
pancreatic islets that regulate blood glucose levels. Cells within the
aggregates also expressed c-peptide, a secretory cleavage product of
insulin, indicative of bonafide production of insulin by the
hESC-derived cells. Moreover, these cells appropriately increased
insulin and c-peptide production upon exposure to increasing
concentrations of glucose, a property of insulin-producing beta islet
cells.
In studies performed in collaboration with Drs. Greg Korbutt and
Ray Rajotte at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, the
hESC-derived islet-like cells were transplanted into
streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, a rodent model of diabetes.
Histological examination of the grafts showed the presence of
c-peptide-producing cells three months after transplantation. Human
c-peptide was also found in the serum of these transplanted animals
after challenge with high glucose.
"We are excited about this progress," stated Jane S. Lebkowski,
Geron's senior vice president of regenerative medicine.
"Differentiation of pancreatic islet cells from embryonic stem cells
is very challenging and protocols reported from work with mouse
embryonic stem cells have not proven useful for human embryonic stem
cells. We are focused on improving the yield and purity of
hESC-derived islet cells to advance our preclinical studies in models
of diabetes."
Geron is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and
commercializing therapeutic and diagnostic products for cancer based
on its telomerase technology, and cell-based therapeutics using its
human embryonic stem cell technology.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements made
pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such
forward-looking statements in this press release regarding potential
applications of Geron's human embryonic stem cell technologies involve
risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent
in the development and commercialization of potential products,
reliance on collaborators, need for future capital and maintenance of
our intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially
from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
Additional information on potential factors that could affect our
results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to
time in Geron's periodic reports, including the quarterly report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.
--30--WG/sf*
CONTACT: Geron Corporation
David L. Greenwood, 650-473-7765 (CFO)
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BIOTECHNOLOGY MEDICAL PHARMACEUTICAL
SOURCE: Geron Corporation
Copyright Business Wire 2004
Nov-18-2004 20:05 GMT
Symbols:
US;GERN
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