Geron Corporation Explained

Geron Corporation
Type:Public
Traded As:NASDAQ:
Russell 2000 Component
Foundation:1990
Location:Foster City, California, U.S.
Key People:John Scarlett (President, CEO)
Olivia Bloom (CFO)
Num Employees:82
Industry:Biotechnology
Products:Cancer drugs (currently in human trials)
Revenue: USD 1.39 million (2021)
Net Income: USD-$116 million (2021)
Assets: USD$226 million (2021)
Equity: USD$126 million (2021)
Footnotes:[1]

Geron Corporation is a biotechnology company located in Foster City, California which specializes in developing and commercializing therapeutic products for cancer that inhibit telomerase.

Company information

Geron, based in Foster City, California, was founded by gerontologist Mary C. West and Michael D. West, now CEO of AgeX Therapeutics.[2] [3] They secured initial venture capital investments in the company from Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Venrock.[4] The company was incorporated in 1990 and began doing business in 1992.[5] [6] John A. Scarlett was appointed CEO in 2011.[7]

The company's Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board has included Nobel laureates James Watson, Gunter Blobel, and Carol Greider, and Leonard Hayflick, known for discovering that human cells divide for a limited number of times in vitro[8] (called the Hayflick limit).[9] [10] [11]

In 2017, Geron staff received the highest median pay in California, at $500,250.[12]

Drug candidates

Cancer therapies

Geron Corporation has sponsored human clinical trials of several potential anti-cancer products.

Telomerase activation

In addition to testing drug candidates that exploit cancer cell's dependence on telomerase, Geron is researching the possible applications of activating the enzyme in normal cells to delay cellular senescence. The company is in the early stages of developing a telomerase based treatment for HIV called TAT0002, which is the saponin cycloastragenol in Chinese herb Astragalus propinquus.[25] Geron has granted a license to Telomerase Activation Sciences to sell TA-65, the telomerase activator agent also derived from astragalus.[26] In October 2010 Intertek/AAC Labs, an ISO 17025 internationally recognized lab, found the largest component of TA-65 to be cycloastragenol.[27]

Geron originally investigated telomerase as a means of understanding and modifying human aging. However, Geron has ceased aging research of any kind.[28]

Stem cell therapies

On January 23, 2009, Geron received FDA approval to begin Phase I testing of GRNOPC1 in humans.[29] GRNOPC1 is an embryonic stem cell based drug that is designed to treat specific forms of spinal cord injury through remyelination of damaged axons. This trial does not involve direct use of stem cells however, as GRNOPC1 is composed of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells derived from embryonic stem cell lines. Studies have shown significant restoration of mobility in animals with spinal injuries that received cells.[30]

Geron also has several other embryonic stem cell treatments that are still in the preclinical phase, including GRNCM1, a treatment for heart disease, and GRNIC1, a treatment for diabetes. In tests with diabetic mice, 80% of the mice given GRNIC1 were still alive in 50 days while the entire control group, which was given no treatment, perished.[31]

Geron sold its human stem cell research assets to Asterias in 2013.[32]

GRNOPC1

See main article: article.

As of October 2010 and November 2010, One of Geron's most highly publicized trial therapy products has been GRNOPC1, a stem cell therapy designed to heal severe spinal cord injuries. The cells in the GRNOPC1 therapy have been coaxed into becoming early myelinated glial cells, a type of cell that insulates nerve cells. For every GRNOPC1 cell that is injected in the patient, they become six to ten cells in a few months.[33] In October 2011 updated results on four patients were released.[34] The trial was discontinued in Nov 2011.

In early 2013 BioTime, whose CEO at the time was Geron founder Michael D. West, acquired 400 patents and other intellectual property related to embryonic stem cells from Geron[35] [36] and later went on to restart the trial.[37]

Patent issues

Geron Corporation initially held exclusive rights to three cell types derived from embryonic stem cells, as the result of paying for the research originally conducted by Dr. James Thomson at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.[38] The patents on the other three cell types are owned by the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF). WARF and Geron did not charge academics to study human stem cells but did charge commercial users. In 2001 WARF came under public pressure to widen access to human stem-cell technology, and they launched legal action against Geron Corporation to recover some of the previously sold rights. The two sides agreed that Geron would keep the rights to only three cell types.[39]

In October 2006, a legal challenge was mounted to overturn these patents by The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights and the non-profit patent-watchdog Public Patent Foundation.[40] They contended that two of the patents granted to WARF are invalid because they cover a technique published in 1992 for which a patent had already been granted to an Australian researcher. Another part of the challenge came from the molecular biologist Jeanne Loring who stated that University of Wisconsin–Madison stem cell pioneer James Thomson's techniques (currently patents held by WARF) are rendered obvious by a 1990 paper and two textbooks.[41] The outcome of this legal challenge was particularly relevant to the Geron Corporation as it can only license patents that are upheld.[42] The patents were ultimately upheld when the reexamination concluded in 2008.[43]

As an interim measure, on January 23, 2007, WARF relaxed the stem cell patents, allowing industry-sponsored research at academic and non-profit institutions without a license.[44] WARF will allow easier and simpler cost free cell transfers among researchers and would not require a license or agreement from California's taxpayer-funded stem cell research program.[45]

Politics

As a participant in the then-controversial stem cell and cloning area, Geron Corporation was asked to testify about its technology before the U.S. Congress. In 2001, when Congress was attempting to ban all forms of cloning, then Geron CEO Thomas Okarma spoke before Congress to preserve cloning for therapeutic purposes.[46] [47]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Geron 2021 10K Annual Report. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 9 May 2022.
  2. News: Anti-ageing drugs are coming that could keep you healthier for longer. New Scientist . April 24, 2019.
  3. News: A Blood Test Offers Clues to Longevity. New York Times. May 18, 2011. Andrew. Pollack.
  4. Web site: SEC Schedule 13G, filed Feb. 17, 1999. 2013-08-28. 2016-03-06. https://web.archive.org/web/20160306115227/http://yahoo.brand.edgar-online.com/displayfiling.aspx?amp%3Bformtypeid=346&companyid=11441&filingid=1363847&ppu=%2Fdefault.aspx%3Fcompanyid%3D11441&tabindex=2. dead.
  5. Web site: Human tests of Geron's spinal-cord medication put on hold. 2009-08-18. The Mercury News. en-US. 2020-04-29.
  6. News: Binstock. Robert H.. BOOKS OF THE TIMES; Quest for Infinite Youth Raises Hopes and Cash. 2003-07-22. The New York Times. 2020-04-29. en-US. 0362-4331.
  7. News: Leuty. Ron. Chip Scarlett's skills may pay off - again - at Geron. 15 November 2016. San Francisco Business Times. 30 September 2011.
  8. Hayflick L . The limited in vitro lifetime of human diploid cell strains . Experimental Cell Research . 37 . 1965 . 614–636 . 14315085 . 10.1016/0014-4827(65)90211-9 . 3.
  9. Web site: Geron Corporation 10K 1996.
  10. Hall, Stephen (2003). "Merchants of Immortality: Chasing the New Dream of Life Extension". Houghton Mifflin. . Page 151.
  11. News: Monmaney. Terence. Scientists Give Cell Apparent Immortality. Los Angeles Times. 14 January 1998.
  12. News: Salisbury . Ian . May 29, 2018 . This Map Shows the Best-Paying Company In Every State . . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200930184358/https://money.com/best-paying-companies/ . September 30, 2020.
  13. Web site: Imetelstat Sodium. NCI Drug Dictionary. National Cancer Institute. 15 November 2016.
  14. Brennan. Sarah K.. Wang. Qiuju. Tressler. Robert. Harley. Calvin. Go. Ning. Bassett. Ekaterina. Huff. Carol Ann. Jones. Richard J.. Matsui. William. Swarbrick. Alexander. Telomerase Inhibition Targets Clonogenic Multiple Myeloma Cells through Telomere Length-Dependent and Independent Mechanisms. PLOS ONE. 1 September 2010. 5. 9. e12487. 10.1371/journal.pone.0012487. 20824134. 2931698. 2010PLoSO...512487B. free.
  15. Web site: Why Geron Corporation Shares Skyrocketed. November 3, 2014 . Alex Planes. The Motley Fool.
  16. News: Fitzhugh. Michael. 'New chapter' as Geron lands potential $935M imetelstat deal with Janssen. BioWorld. 17 November 2014.
  17. Web site: Geron Announces Global Strategic Collaboration with Janssen to Develop and Commercialize Imetelstat. https://archive.today/20150905153125/http://ir.geron.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=67323&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1989673. dead. September 5, 2015. Investor Relations: Press Release. Geron. 2018-02-25.
  18. News: Geron Announces Fast Track Designation Granted to Imetelstat for Lower Risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Corporation. Geron. GlobeNewswire News Room. 2018-02-25. en-US.
  19. Web site: Geron shares crater as Janssen bows out of imetelstat pact once worth up to $935M. 2021-01-05. FierceBiotech. en.
  20. Geron Corporation. 2021-01-04. A Study to Evaluate Imetelstat (GRN163L) in Transfusion-Dependent Subjects With IPSS Low or Intermediate-1 Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) That is Relapsed/Refractory to Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent (ESA) Treatment. Clinical Trials.
  21. Geron Corporation. 2020-12-23. A Randomized Open-Label, Phase 3 Study to Evaluate Imetelstat (GRN163L) Versus Best Available Therapy (BAT) in Patients With Intermediate-2 or High-risk Myelofibrosis (MF) Refractory to Janus Kinase (JAK)-Inhibitor. Clinical Trials.
  22. Harley. Calvin B.. Telomerase and cancer therapeutics. Nature Reviews Cancer. March 2008. 8. 3. 167–179. 10.1038/nrc2275. 18256617. 39599576.
  23. News: Geron plans stock offering, Merck buying $18M in shares . 12 September 2005.
  24. Web site: Geron Scraps GRN1005, Cuts Jobs. Zacks Investment Research. 15 November 2016.
  25. 10.4049/jimmunol.181.10.7400 . Telomerase-Based Pharmacologic Enhancement of Antiviral Function of Human CD8+ T Lymphocytes. 2008 . free. Fauce . Steven Russell . Jamieson . Beth D. . Chin . Allison C. . Mitsuyasu . Ronald T. . Parish . Stan T. . Ng . Hwee L. . Ramirez Kitchen . Christina M. . Yang . Otto O. . Harley . Calvin B. . Effros . Rita B. . The Journal of Immunology . 181 . 10 . 7400–7406 . 18981163 . 2682219 .
  26. Borrell. Brendan. Lawsuit challenges anti-ageing claims. Nature. 2 August 2012. 488 . 7409 . 18. 10.1038/488018a. 22859181 . 2012Natur.488...18B . free.
  27. American Analytical Chemistry Laboratories Analysis Document #100710-236 of TA-65
  28. News: Ron Leuty . November 15, 2012 . Geron to sell embryonic stem cell business to BioTime . San Francisco Business Times . 2020-12-14.
  29. News: Despite Bush Veto, Stem Cell Research Abounds - Forbes.com . Forbes . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070204143010/http://www.forbes.com/technology/2006/07/21/stem-cell-research-cz_kd_0721stemcell.html . February 4, 2007 .
  30. Keirstead HS, Nistor G, Bernal G, etal . Human embryonic stem cell-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cell transplants remyelinate and restore locomotion after spinal cord injury . J. Neurosci. . 25 . 19 . 4694–705 . May 2005 . 15888645 . 6724772 . 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0311-05.2005 .
  31. http://www.genengnews.com/news/bnitem.aspx?name=3153413 News: Geron Presents New Data That Document Progress in Development of Therapeutic Products from Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News - Biotechnology from Bench to Business
  32. Web site: Geron Announces Record Date for Distribution of Asterias Series A Common Stock. Yahoo Finance. 15 November 2016.
  33. http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/11/first-human-injected-in-human-embryonic-stem-cell-trial/?replytocom=86296 CNN Rachel Meade Reports (October 13, 2010)
  34. Web site: Geron (GERN) updates Clinical Data from GRNOPC1 Spinal Cord Injury Trial . 20 Oct 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20111023052613/http://www.scimitarequity.com/blog/2011/10/20/geron-gern-updates-clinical-data-from-grnopc1-spinal-cord-injury-trial/ . 2011-10-23 .
  35. News: Geron's Stem Cell Program Sold. The Scientist . October 2, 2013.
  36. News: BioTime acquires stem cell assets from Geron, raises $10 million. San Francisco Business Times . January 7, 2013.
  37. News: Funding windfall rescues abandoned stem-cell trial. Nature . June 3, 2014.
  38. News: Westhoff. Julia. WARF, Geron reach settlement. The Badger Herald. 22 January 2002.
  39. News: Regalado. Antonio. Hamilton. David P.. How a University's Patents May Limit Stem-Cell Research. Wall Street Journal. 18 July 2006.
  40. Kintisch. E.. Groups Challenge Key Stem Cell Patents. Science. 21 July 2006. 313. 5785. 281. 10.1126/science.313.5785.281. 16857907. 167760607. free.
  41. News: Loring. Jeanne. A patent challenge for human embryonic stem cell research. Nature Reports Stem Cells. 8 November 2007. 10.1038/stemcells.2007.113.
  42. News: Stem Cell Patents Come Under Fire. Center for Genetics and Society. Associated Press. 19 July 2006.
  43. Web site: WARF press release . 2008-10-02 . 2008-09-22 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080922021501/http://www.warf.org/news/news.jsp?news_id=234 . dead .
  44. News: Somers. Terri. Stem cell scientists shout out hallelujah. The San Diego Union-Tribune. 23 January 2007.
  45. Web site: Wisconsin Group Eases Stem Cell Patent Restrictions After FTCR. PUBPAT. 5 September 2013. 23 January 2007.
  46. News: Geron's Cloning Quandary - Forbes.com . Forbes . April 5, 2001. Matthew . Herper.
  47. News: Online Extra: Thomas Okarma: Don't Ban Stem-Cell Research . 2 June 2003 . BusinessWeek . https://web.archive.org/web/20110522210421/http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/03_22/b3835716.htm . 22 May 2011.