Geron gets human embryonic stem cell patent, US 7,033,831

Geron's new patent, US 7,033,831, is generally about production of insulin secreting cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and is directed to methods developed by Geron scientists working towards the scalable production of pancreatic islet cells from hESCs for use in new cell-based treatments for diabetes. Earlier this year, Geron presented data showing the differentiation of hESCs to produce cells that secrete insulin and glucagon and express genetic markers consistent with human islet cells. Working in collaboration with researchers at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, Geron scientists have also shown that these cells generate detectable human insulin upon glucose challenge when transplanted into animals and that such transplants can extend the lifespan of diabetic animals.

One recalls that Geron is the exclusive licensee (in certain areas) of the WARF/Thomson patents, which are of relevance in the current discussion between WARF and CIRM about whether or not CIRM will need to pay patent royalties to CIRM in the context of California's effort in Proposition 71.

For background, see IPBiz post of March 17, 2006, and Ebert, Lawrence. (2006, April 13). Will Wisconsin's Patents Block Embryonic Stem Cell Research?. EzineArticles.