GERN
- Geron Corporation
()
Overview
Company Summary
Geron Corporation, symbolized as GERN on the stock market, is a biotechnology company primarily focused on discovering and developing innovative therapies for various types of cancer and other diseases related to aging.
The primary area of expertise for Geron is in the field of telomerase inhibition and telomere biology. Telomeres are the protective caps located at the ends of chromosomes that prevent the degradation and fusion of DNA molecules. They play a crucial role in cell division and overall genomic stability. Telomerase is an enzyme that helps maintain the length of telomeres and is often overexpressed in cancer cells, allowing them to multiply rapidly and evade programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis.
GERN has made significant advancements in developing telomerase inhibitors and targeting cancer stem cells (CSCs) to disrupt the growth and survival of cancer cells. The company's lead product candidate is called imetelstat (GRN163L), a first-in-class telomerase inhibitor currently undergoing clinical trials. Imetelstat is being investigated for its potential utility in treating hematologic malignancies, such as myelofibrosis, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). GERN is also exploring its application in solid tumors.
In addition to their cancer-focused research, Geron is actively engaged in developing therapeutic strategies targeting other age-related diseases, such as pulmonary fibrosis and osteoarthritis.
Geron Corporation collaborates with various academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and research partners to accelerate the discovery and development of innovative therapies. This collaborative approach enables them to leverage the expertise and resources of different organizations to advance their novel treatment strategies.
Overall, Geron Corporation is dedicated to pioneering groundbreaking therapies that have the potential to significantly impact the field of oncology and address the unmet medical needs of patients suffering from cancer and age-related diseases.