Geron Corporation (NASDAQ: GERN) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of first-in-class telomerase inhibitors for hematologic and solid tumor malignancies. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Geron was one of the earliest publicly traded biotech companies in the United States. From its inception, the company has pursued innovative science aimed at targeting telomerase, an enzyme that enables cancer cell immortality, in order to deliver new treatment options where current therapies remain inadequate.
The company’s lead product candidate, imetelstat, is a synthetic oligonucleotide designed to directly inhibit telomerase activity in malignant cells. Imetelstat is being evaluated in Phase 3 clinical trials for lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and intermediate-2/high-risk myelofibrosis, diseases of the bone marrow that lead to anemia, fatigue and risk of progression to acute leukemia. Geron’s development strategy places emphasis on rigorous clinical endpoints, such as transfusion independence in MDS and overall survival in myelofibrosis, to demonstrate the potential of imetelstat to alter the natural history of these disorders.
While Geron’s primary research and development activities are centered in the U.S., the company has established international collaborations and regulatory filings to support a global clinical program. Manufacturing partnerships ensure scalable production of imetelstat under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). In addition to its lead candidate, Geron maintains a research pipeline exploring novel telomere- and telomerase-based approaches in oncology, signaling its commitment to leveraging foundational discoveries for future therapeutic opportunities.
Leadership at Geron is headed by President and Chief Executive Officer John A. Scarlett, Ph.D., a biotechnology executive with experience in both large pharmaceutical companies and smaller clinical-stage organizations. Under Dr. Scarlett’s guidance, the senior management team has expanded its clinical development, regulatory and commercial capabilities. The company’s board of directors includes industry veterans with backgrounds in oncology drug development, regulatory affairs and corporate governance, positioning Geron to advance imetelstat through pivotal trials and toward potential regulatory approvals worldwide.
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