Geron Corp (GERN)

[rx7171]

Esammee

Thanks for continuation of transcript.

This line was interesting

>>Merck plans to file their IND on both their plasmid and virus in prostate cancer in the first quarter of next year,<<

I didn't recall reading of any agreement by Geron to let Merck target Telomerase with an Onc Virus.

CEGE has a non exclusive right to do so so it is allowable, but I just thought this was new.

The preliminary in-vivo trials by CEGE were impressive and I've been disappointed by the lack of obvious progress in that direction. I've always thought the trifecta of complimentary Telomerase targeted approaches of Inhibitor, Vaccine and Virus would offer a blizzard of punches to cancer and I was looking forward to the virus joining the fight.

With Merck's deep pockets it could move pretty quickly. However without an announced agreement it isn't clear if the virus being constructed would bring revenue to Geron.

Bob