Advertise With UsAdvertise on our extensive network of industry websites and newsletters.
Get the PBR newsletterSign up to our free email to get all the latest PBR
news.Biopharmaceutical firm Geron Corporation has received a US patent for producing endoderm cells from human embryonic stem cells. The production of endoderm cells is a critical step in generating pancreatic islet cells from human embryonic stem cells, which Geron said it is developing for potential use in treating diabetes.
Subscribe to our email newsletter
David Earp, Geron’s senior vice president of business development and chief patent counsel, said: “The claims in this patent broaden the coverage for our islet protocol beyond the scope of US patent 7,033,831 that was issued to Geron in 2006. Added to our already robust portfolio of intellectual property covering the scalable production of pluripotent stem cells, these patents reinforce our proprietary position for diabetes cell therapy.”
Thomas Okarma, Geron’s president and CEO, added: “The utility of the method covered by this patent to produce pancreatic islet cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) has been validated in a number of studies published in leading journals by scientists from both Geron and other organizations. We are continuing with our development plan aimed at producing a cell therapy capable of restoring normal glucose regulation in patients suffering from diabetes.”