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Source: PharmaLive Geron Announces Publication of Study Results Showing That Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Oligodendrocytes Remyelinate In Vivo MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 22, 2004 - Geron Corporation (Nasdaq:GERN) announced today the publication of a study which demonstrates that oligodendrocytes can be differentiated from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and when injected into the spinal cord, will produce myelin, the biological "insulation" critical for maintenance of electrical conduction in the central nervous system. Myelin is destroyed in patients with spinal cord injury or dysmyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. In the journal Glia, Dr. Hans Keirstead and his colleagues from the Reeve Irvine Research Center at the University of California at Irvine in collaboration with scientists from Geron published study results showing that hESCs can be differentiated efficiently into early stage oligodendrocytes, known as oligodendrocyte progenitors, as well as into mature oligodendrocytes. Throughout the differentiation protocol, the cells display correct morphology and specific markers characteristic of their oligodendrocyte lineage and maturation stage. Oligodendrocytes are cells that wrap around neurons and shield them, thereby facilitating electrical transmission in the central nervous system. Dysmyelination of neurons leads to the sensory and motor deficiencies associated with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury. In the study, Dr. Keirstead injected the hESC-derived oligodendroglial progenitors into the spinal cords of Shiverer mice. These mice lack myelin in their central nervous system, develop a characteristic shaking behavior, and die early after only 10-12 weeks of life. After transplantation into the Shiverer mice, the hESC-derived oligodendrocytes survived and migrated appropriately within the spinal cord. Patches of myelin basic protein and compact myelin were observed wrapping neurons in the spinal cord. "The studies show that oligodendrocytes can be derived from human embryonic stem cells and that they function normally in a disease environment," stated Hans Keirstead Ph.D. "This is an important confirmation of what we suspected was occurring. Remyelination of neurons is a crucial step in restoring function to a damaged spinal cord. Combined with the positive results of our previously reported efficacy model, we believe we have a therapeutic opportunity." This work was conducted with support from Geron Corporation and a University of California Discovery Grant. "This work significantly advances the potential clinical use of human embryonic stem cells for spinal cord injury," stated Thomas B. Okarma Ph.D., M.D., Geron's president and chief executive officer. "We are actively engaged in IND-enabling preclinical studies in pursuit of this goal." Geron is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing therapeutic and diagnostic products for cancer based on its telomerase technology, and cell-based therapeutics using its human embryonic stem cell technology. 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 potential applications of Geron's human embryonic stem cell technology involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and commercialization of potential products, need for future capital, need for regulatory approvals or clearances, reliance on 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, 2004. Contact Geron Corporation David L. Greenwood, 650-473-7765 http://www.pharmalive.com/News/index.cfm?articleid=192599&categoryid=15 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn