Posted by mbrickley | Posted in General
Geron Corp.’s drug tests in animals for an experimental cell therapy that is designed to help spinal injuries cause cysts, according to a Reuters report.
The cysts were microscopic, and they did not turn into tumors, which is good - but tests are still being done to see if the treatment is usable on people.
The procedure involves embryonic stem cells, which do have the potential to grow uncontrollably and turn into tumors, researchers said. But it seems unlikely, and a spokesperson for Geron said she thinks investors are relieved that tumors - the worst case scenario for the test - did not occur.
The company has submitted data to the FDA in hopes of moving forward. Geron is at the forefront of stem cell research in medicine.
