Geron Corporation Announces Successful Derivation Of Osteoblasts From Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Menlo Park, CA – July 10, 2003– Geron Corporation (Nasdaq: GERN) announced today the publication of research results that advance the breadth of applications for human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in Regenerative Medicine. Research funded by Geron in the laboratory of Dr. Jim McWhir and colleagues at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland and published today in the Summer 2003 issue of Cloning & Stem Cells demonstrates that osteoblasts (bone–forming cells) can be derived in vitro from hESCs. Such hESC–derived osteoblasts have potential applications in orthopedic tissue repair and in the treatment of osteoporosis.
The published study demonstrates that hESCs, when exposed in vitro to specific factors that stimulate bone formation, differentiate into cells that express molecular markers of bone–forming cells such as osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone receptor, and collagen 1. Importantly, x–ray diffraction analysis showed that the cells produce calcified nodules containing hydroxyapatite crystals – the principal mineral component of bone.
"The derivation of osteoblasts from human embryonic stem cells reported today is the sixth cell type we have produced from hESCs that demonstrate normal in vitro molecular and biological properties, suggesting that these cell types should function normally when transplanted in vivo or used for drug discovery research," said Thomas B. Okarma, Ph.D., M.D., Geron’s president and chief executive officer. "As we have shown previously with 1) cardiomyocytes for heart failure, 2) dopaminergic neurons for Parkinson’s disease, 3) oligodendrocytes for spinal cord injury, 4) hematopoietic cells for transplantation applications, and 5) hepatocytes for drug discovery, these hESC–derived osteoblasts also display essential functional characteristics required for normal in vivo function. The successful derivation of osteoblasts will now enable the testing of these cells in animal models of non–union bone fracture as well as in systemic demineralization diseases such as osteoporosis. This accomplishment takes us another step towards realizing the promise of embryonic stem cells for the treatment of chronic disease."
Geron is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapeutic and diagnostic products for applications in oncology and regenerative medicine, and research tools for drug discovery. Geron’s product development programs are based upon three patented core technologies: telomerase, human embryonic stem cells and nuclear transfer.
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 future applications of Geron Corporation’s technology constitute statements involving risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and commercialization of potential products, regulatory approvals and clearances, and the 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 March 31, 2003.
Contact: Investor and Media Relations David L. Greenwood Geron Corporation 650–473–7765
Additional information about the company can be obtained at http://www.geron.com.
