New data show Geron's telomerase inhibitor drug targets cancer stem cells

USA-based Geron Corp (Nasdaq: GERN) saw its shares peak 3% yesterday after it announced the publication of preclinical data demonstrating that the company's telomerase inhibitor drug, imetelstat (GRN163L), currently in Phase II clinical trials, targets cancer stem cells from multiple myeloma, pancreatic and breast cancers.

Cancer stem cells, found in many types of cancer, are rare populations of malignant cells with the capacity for endless self-renewal. They are believed to be responsible for tumor growth, recurrence and metastasis. Their resistance to chemotherapy and conventional anti-cancer agents make them important targets for novel therapies.

"These data are significant because they demonstrate that the cancer stem cell population can be targeted by inhibiting telomerase with imetelstat, and that this is associated with a survival benefit in animal models," said Stephen M. Kelsey, Geron's executive vice president and chief medical officer, oncology. "Our Phase II clinical program is testing imetelstat in lung cancer, chronic leukemias, breast cancer and multiple myeloma, all malignancies in which cancer stem cells are believed to play an important role in relapse after standard therapy."