Positive data from Geron's TAT153 small molecule telomerase activator in animal model of IPF

Geron Corporation (Nasdaq: GERN) today announced positive data on its orally available small molecule telomerase activator, TAT153, in an animal model of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The data show that administration of TAT153 increased telomerase activity in the lung tissue, reduced inflammation, preserved functional lung tissue, slowed disease progression and attenuated loss of pulmonary function.

“This is the first demonstration that a telomerase activator can affect fibrotic disease progression in a model system”

The data were presented at the American Thoracic Society 2010 International Conference in New Orleans, LA by Geron collaborator Dr. Claude Jourdan Le Saux from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

"This is the first demonstration that a telomerase activator can affect fibrotic disease progression in a model system," said Thomas B. Okarma, Ph.D., M.D., Geron's president and chief executive officer. "The data indicate that telomerase activation may be a useful therapeutic modality in IPF. Currently, there are no drugs that reduce the fibrotic process in lung disease or other organs. This is a very large unmet medical need."