Geron's Second U.S. Patent for Production of Pancreatic Islets from Human
Embryonic Stem Cells Strengthens Company's Intellectual Property Position
MENLO PARK, Calif., Feb 05, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Geron Corporation (GERN)
announced today that it has received U.S. Patent 7,326,572 with claims covering a
widely used method for producing endoderm cells from human embryonic stem cells
(hESCs). The production of endoderm cells is a critical step in generating
pancreatic islet cells from hESCs, which Geron is developing for potential use in
treating diabetes.
"Geron is in a strong leadership position in the development of hESC
therapeutics, and we are pleased to be able to add this patent to the
intellectual property portfolio that we are building to protect our investment in
the field," said David J. Earp, J.D., Ph.D., Geron's senior vice president of
business development and chief patent counsel. "The claims in this patent broaden
the coverage for our islet protocol beyond the scope of U.S. Patent 7,033,831
that was issued to Geron in 2006. Added to our already robust portfolio of IP
covering the scalable production of pluripotent stem cells, these patents
reinforce our proprietary position for diabetes cell therapy."
Thomas B. Okarma, Ph.D., M.D., Geron's president and chief executive officer,
added, "The utility of the method covered by this patent to produce pancreatic
islet cells from hESCs has been validated in a number of studies published in
leading journals by scientists from both Geron and other organizations. These
studies have shown that hESC-derived islet-like cells produced using this
differentiation procedure and transplanted into severely diabetic animals prolong
their survival and produce detectable human insulin in their bloodstream. We are
continuing with our development plan aimed at producing a cell therapy capable of
restoring normal glucose regulation in patients suffering from diabetes."
Geron's portfolio of owned and in-licensed patents relating to pluripotent stem
cells includes over 30 patents issued in the U.S., more than 65 issued in other
countries and over 130 applications pending worldwide. Geron holds the exclusive
right under the fundamental hESC patents assigned to the Wisconsin Alumni
Research Foundation to develop and commercialize hESC-derived pancreatic islet
cells, cardiomyocytes and neural cells for therapeutic applications.
About Geron Corporation
Geron is developing first-in-class biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer
and chronic degenerative diseases, including spinal cord injury, heart failure
and diabetes. The company is advancing an anti-cancer drug and a cancer vaccine
that target the enzyme telomerase through multiple clinical trials. Geron is also
the world leader in the development of human embryonic stem cell-based
therapeutics, with its spinal cord injury treatment anticipated to be the first
product to enter clinical development. For more information, visit
geron.com.
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 statements in this press release regarding potential
applications of Geron's human embryonic stem cell technology constitute
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including,
without limitation, risks inherent in the development and commercialization of
potential products, uncertainty of clinical trial results or regulatory approvals
or clearances, need for future capital, dependence upon collaborators 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, 2007.
SOURCE: Geron Corporation
Geron
David L. Greenwood, 650-473-7765 (CFO)
info@geron.com
OR
Russo Partners, LLC
Media and Investors:
David Schull, 858-717-2310
david.schull@russopartnersllc.com
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tracey.milani@russopartnersllc.com |
