( nt reduction inabsolute lymphocyte cou...)Geron's Telomerase Inhibitor Cancer Drug Demonstrates Good,Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability in Phase I/II Trial,Health

"We are encouraged by the results," said Dr. Colowick. "The first and only telomerase inhibitor in clinical trials continues to demonstrate predictable pharmacokinetics over the range investigated and appears to be well tolerated. We will apply what we are learning to the continued dose escalation as we move further into the predicted therapeutic dose cohorts for both the CLL and solid tumor trials. Furthermore, we are adding two additional sites for the CLL trial to accelerate patient enrollment."

"Based on preclinical data demonstrating the effects of GRN163L on both mature and cancer stem cells in multiple myeloma, Geron will initiate a clinical trial involving multiple myeloma patients," continued Dr. Colowick. "In addition, the company will begin a fourth trial of GRN163L in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The basis for this trial is the result of promising preclinical animal data demonstrating the drug's activity in this tumor type as well. Geron expects to initiate both trials in the coming months."

Background

Geron's ongoing Phase I/II trial is a sequential cohort, dose escalation study to determine the safety and tolerability of GRN163L administered intravenously on a weekly basis to patients with refractory or relapsed CLL. Patients interested in enrollment into the trial should visit the Patient Information page of Geron's website at www.geron.com.

Telomerase is a broadly applicable and critical tumor target. It is expressed in a broad array of malignant tumors, essential for malignant cell growth and absent or expressed transiently at low levels in most normal adult tissues.

GRN163L is a short chain oligonucleotide that is unique in its resistance
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