Geron had a super week, closing Friday at 8 3/8, up for the
day and 1 9/16 for the week. The stock rise seemed to be partly
a delayed reaction to 11/25 Time magazine cover story and partly
due to the generally better market for biotechs last week (the
AMEX biotech Index was up 2.53%). If someone knows another
possible reason for the jump, please post it.
I just finished reading an article by Jerry Shay in Molecular
Medicine today. Shay, who's quoted in the Time piece, is a top
cancer researcher and a member of Geron's medical advisory
board. Here's what Shay says about the potential for using
telomerase to fight cancer :
"Since telomerase activity appears necessary for the
sustained proliferation of most cancer cells, anti-cancer agents
based on telomerase inhibition may potentially provide a highly
effective therapy, possibly with limited side effects.
Telomerase performs an essential genetic function of telomere
maintenance in germline tissues and other immortal cells. The
enzyme therefore may be a distinct target, with increased
specificity for cancer cells. Although there are potential
pitfalls that must be considered, such as the effects of
inhibitors on telomerase-producing stem cells, it is likely that
this therapeutic approach will be less toxic than conventional
chemotherapy, which affects all proliferating cells, including
stem cells."
For more info on Geron call the company at 415-473-7700.
Also, please check out my prior posts in the Geron Motley Fool
stock folder. |
