Geron's Second U.S. Patent For Production Of Pancreatic Islets From
Human Embryonic Stem Cells Strengthens Company's Intellectual
Property Position
Main Category: Stem Cell Research
Also Included In: Diabetes
Article Date: 07 Feb 2008 - 3:00 PST
Geron Corporation (Nasdaq:GERN) announced 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 http://www.geron.
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.
http://www.medicaln
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StemCells subscribers may also be interested in these sites:
Children's Neurobiological Solutions
http://www.CNSfoundation.org/
Cord Blood Registry
http://www.CordBlood.com/at.cgi?a=150123
The CNS Healing Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CNS_Healing
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