Geron announces improved production method for embryonic stem cells

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., Jan. 27 - Geron Corp. announced a new production protocol to differentiate islet cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) for the treatment of diabetes.

The improved method generates islet-like clusters that contain proliferating precursors that, if isolated, could potentially enable the scalable production of hESC-derived islets, according to a company news release.

The company said animal studies using transplanted hESC-derived islet-like clusters made by an earlier, less efficient method were successful in extending the life of diabetic animals. Animal studies using islet cells made by the new method are in progress at the University of Alberta, Edmonton.

"Using cadaver-derived islets to treat insulin-requiring diabetics, our collaborators established proof of principle of cell-based therapies for the treatment of diabetes," Geron president and chief executive officer Thomas B. Okarma said in the release.

"The drawbacks of the cadaver-based approach are limitations of supply and product variation from donor to donor. As we improve our production method for hESC-derived islet cells and demonstrate their utility in animal models of diabetes, we take an important step toward the clinic."

The new protocol was presented at the Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine Meeting in San Francisco by Dr. Anish Majumdar, Geron's senior director of cell therapy research.

Geron is a Menlo Park, Calif.-based biopharmaceutical company.

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