Geron takes new steps toward stem cell-based vaccines (GERN, GE)
Geron Corp. (Nasdaq: GERN) shares are up 4.5% on Monday after the company took incremental steps that may bring it closer to delivering stem cell-based vaccines.
The company published data in the journal “Regenerative Medicine” showing that cells made from human embryonic stem cells show the normal functions of naturally-occurring human dendritic cells found in the bloodstream. The upshot is that the findings appear to support the use of stem cell-derived dendritic cells in vaccines for cancer and other diseases.
The news comes on the heels of the exclusive partnership Geron announced with GE Healthcare (NYSE: GE ) last week.
Geron is using a dendritic cell platform with its Phase II cancer vaccine for treating Leukemia, called GRNVAC1. It is a costly endeavor because they use cells generated from individual patients.
A next step for Geron may be for it to step up efforts for its second-generation cancer vaccine, GRNVAC2, which is based on dendritic cells derived from human embryonic stem cells. The stem cells in theory could allow the company to deliver a standard therapy that has the same potentcy for all patients. It also might eliminate the need for blood collection and make the treatment less costly.
Another potential upcoming catalyst for Geron could be the possible launch of a Phase I trial for GRNOPC1 targeting spinal cord injury. It could happen by the end of August, and may end up being the first embryonic stem cell study held in the U.S.
Geron shares were trading near $8 at 12:30 Eastern. — Mike Tarsala.
