May 24, 1998, From press reports and The Immortalist May/June 1998:
GERON CORPORATION RFPORTS 1998 FIRST QUARTER EVENTS
In January 1998, the company and collaborators at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, reported the successful extension of life-span of normal human cells using the enzyme telomerase. In March 1998, the company reported confirmation that the normal cells treated with telomerase continue to divide and show no signs of senescence or cancerous transformation.
In March 1998, the company announced the issuance of 8 new U.S. patents and the allowance of 11 U.S. patent applications.
In March 1998, the company raised $15.0 million in equity capital through a sale of convertible preferred stock. Additionally, in accordance with the partnership agreement signed in 1997, Pharmacia & Upjohn purchased $4.0 million of Geron common stock, at a premium.
Geron Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing therapeutic and diagnostic products based upon the company's understanding of telomeres and telomerase in cells, fundamental biological mechanisms underlying cancer and other age-related diseases.
Ed. Note: Opinion remains divided on the effect of telomeres and telomerase on senescence. Even if all cells can be immortalized without adverse side effects, the effect on the organism as a whole has yet to be shown. But the news above is certainly welcome.
Cryonics Institute