Geron Corporation and the University of Edinburgh announced that they have entered into a collaboration to conduct preclinical safety and efficacy studies with three cell types derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).

The cell types are hepatocytes for the treatment of liver failure and osteoblasts and chondrocytes for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoarthritis, bone fractures and osteoporosis. The studies, based at the University's Centre for Regenerative Medicine, will be under the direction of Professor John Iredale, Dr. Phil Newsome, Dr. Brendon Noble and Professor Hamish Simpson.

"The milestones and endpoints of these programmes were collaboratively defined, with Geron contributing its expertise on the design and execution of IND-enabling (Investigational New Drug) studies," said Dr. Jane Lebkowski, Geron's senior vice president of regenerative medicine. "We are enthusiastic about conducting these studies at the University of Edinburgh because of the infrastructure in place at the New Royal Infirmary in Little France. Moreover, the lead investigators include experienced hESC researchers and practicing physicians whose expertise will be useful to progress these cell types to the clinic."

David Greenwood, Geron's executive vice president and chief financial officer, added, "We are continuing our research activity in the UK because we know there is a pool of knowledgeable and talented hESC scientists there. We are now sponsoring six UK-based hESC R&D programs. Moreover, in addition to the scientific talent and the general receptivity in the UK for hESC technology, there is funding support."

Professor John Savill, Head of College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, commented, "This collaboration with Geron is a milestone for the Centre for Regenerative Medicine in Edinburgh, which was launched in December 2005. We continue to work to attract the world's best scientists and technology to Scotland. The Centre provides a state-of-the-art environment for the advancement of stem cell innovation aimed to deliver on the promise of new treatments for debilitating diseases. Geron is the leader in the field. We are very pleased to be engaged in this important collaboration with them."

The University of Edinburgh's Centre for Regenerative Medicine (CRM) is based at the Centre for Biomedical Research (CBR). The CBR combines an 870-bed teaching hospital with the University of Edinburgh's world-renowned Medical School and Research Institute on a 100-acre science park development.

Geron is a Menlo Park, California-based biopharmaceutical company that is developing and intends to commercialize first-in-class therapeutic products for the treatment of cancer and degenerative diseases, including spinal cord injury, heart failure, diabetes and HIV/AIDS.