Geron Corporation (Nasdaq:GERN) announced today that it has received U.S. Patent 7,326,572 with claims covering a widely used method for producing endoderm cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). The production of endoderm cells is a critical step in generating pancreatic islet cells from hESCs, which Geron is developing for potential use in treating diabetes.

“Geron is in a strong leadership position in the development of hESC therapeutics, and we are pleased to be able to add this patent to the intellectual property portfolio that we are building to protect our investment in the field,” said David J. Earp, J.D., Ph.D., Geron’s senior vice president of business development and chief patent counsel. “The claims in this patent broaden the coverage for our islet protocol beyond the scope of U.S. Patent 7,033,831 that was issued to Geron in 2006. Added to our already robust portfolio of IP covering the scalable production of pluripotent stem cells, these patents reinforce our proprietary position for diabetes cell therapy.”

Thomas B. Okarma, Ph.D., M.D., Geron’s president and chief executive officer, added, “The utility of the method covered by this patent to produce pancreatic islet cells from hESCs has been validated in a number of studies published in leading journals by scientists from both Geron and other organizations. These studies have shown that hESC-derived islet-like cells produced using this differentiation procedure and transplanted into severely diabetic animals prolong their survival and produce detectable human insulin in their bloodstream. We are continuing with our development plan aimed at producing a cell therapy capable of restoring normal glucose regulation in patients suffering from diabetes.”

Geron’s portfolio of owned and in-licensed patents relating to pluripotent stem cells includes over 30 patents issued in the U.S., more than 65 issued in other countries and over 130 applications pending worldwide. Geron holds the exclusive right under the fundamental hESC patents assigned to the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation to develop and commercialize hESC-derived pancreatic islet cells, cardiomyocytes and neural cells for therapeutic applications.

About Geron Corporation

Geron is developing first-in-class biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer and chronic degenerative diseases, including spinal cord injury, heart failure and diabetes. The company is advancing an anti-cancer drug and a cancer vaccine that target the enzyme telomerase through multiple clinical trials. Geron is also the world leader in the development of human embryonic stem cell-based therapeutics, with its spinal cord injury treatment anticipated to be the first product to enter clinical development. For more information, visit www.geron.com.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that statements in this press release regarding potential applications of Geron’s human embryonic stem cell technology constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and commercialization of potential products, uncertainty of clinical trial results or regulatory approvals or clearances, need for future capital, dependence upon collaborators and maintenance of our intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Additional information on potential factors that could affect our results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in Geron’s periodic reports, including the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

Contacts:

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David L. Greenwood, 650-473-7765 (CFO)
info@geron.com
OR
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