<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001206774-17-002254.txt : 20170801
<SEC-HEADER>0001206774-17-002254.hdr.sgml : 20170801
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20170801063023
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001206774-17-002254
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20170731
ITEM INFORMATION:		Other Events
ITEM INFORMATION:		Financial Statements and Exhibits
FILED AS OF DATE:		20170801
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20170801

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			GERON CORP
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000886744
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS [2834]
		IRS NUMBER:				752287752
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	000-20859
		FILM NUMBER:		17994633

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		149 COMMONWEALTH DRIVE
		STREET 2:		SUITE 2070
		CITY:			MENLO PARK
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94025
		BUSINESS PHONE:		6504737700

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		149 COMMONWEALTH DRIVE
		STREET 2:		SUITE 2070
		CITY:			MENLO PARK
		STATE:			CA
		ZIP:			94025

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	GERON CORPORATION
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	19960521
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>geron31261314-8k.htm
<DESCRIPTION>CURRENT REPORT
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<P align=center><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>UNITED
STATES<BR></FONT></B><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 <BR>___________</FONT></B></P>
<P align=center><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>FORM 8-K </FONT></B></P>
<P align=center><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>CURRENT
REPORT<BR></FONT></B><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>PURSUANT TO SECTION
13 OR 15(d) OF THE<BR>SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934</FONT></B></P>
<P align=center><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Date of Report (Date of
Earliest Event Reported): </FONT><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>July 31,
2017</FONT></B></P>
<P align=center><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>GERON
CORPORATION</FONT></B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> <BR></FONT><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its
charter) </FONT></P>
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  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="33%"><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Delaware</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="33%"><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>0-20859</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="33%"><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>75-2287752</FONT></B></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="33%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>(State or other jurisdiction of</FONT></TD>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="33%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>(Commission File Number)</FONT></TD>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="33%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>(IRS Employer</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="33%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>incorporation)</FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="33%"></TD>
    <TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" noWrap width="33%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Identification
No.)</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE><BR>
<P align=center><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>149 COMMONWEALTH DRIVE,
SUITE 2070<BR>MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA 94025 <BR></FONT></B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>(Address of principal executive offices, including
zip code) </FONT></P>
<P align=center><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>(650)
473-7700<BR></FONT></B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>(Registrant's
telephone number, including area code) </FONT></P>
<P align=center><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>N/A <BR></FONT></B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>(Former name or former address, if changed since
last report) </FONT></P>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Check the appropriate box
below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing
obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: </FONT></P>
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  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>&#9744;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="98%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities
      Act (17 CFR 230.425)</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="98%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>&#9744;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="98%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act
      (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="98%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>&#9744;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="98%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the
      Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="98%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>&#9744;</FONT></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top noWrap align=left width="1%"></TD>
    <TD vAlign=top align=left width="98%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the
      Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Indicate by check mark whether
the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the
Securities Act of 1933 (&#167;230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (&#167;240.12b-2 of this chapter).</FONT></P>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Emerging growth
company&nbsp;&#9744;</FONT></P>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>If an emerging growth company,
indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended
transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting
standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange
Act.&nbsp;&#9744;</FONT></P>
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<DIV style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always"></DIV>
<P align=left><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Item 8.01. Other Events.</FONT></B></P>
<P ALIGN="LEFT" STYLE="text-indent: 15pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>On July 31, 2017, Geron
Corporation issued a press release entitled &#147;Geron Announces Updates to
Imetelstat Clinical Development.&#148; A copy of the press release is attached as
Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by
reference.</FONT></P>
<P align=left><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Item 9.01. Financial
Statements and Exhibits.</FONT></B></P>
<P ALIGN="LEFT" STYLE="text-indent: 15pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>(d) Exhibits.</FONT></P>
<DIV align=center>
<TABLE style="LINE-HEIGHT: 14pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="85%" border=0>

  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid" noWrap align=center width="1%"><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Exhibit No.</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid" noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid" noWrap align=left width="98%"><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Description</FONT></B></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD noWrap style="text-align: center" width="1%" bgColor=#c0c0c0><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>99.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%" bgColor=#c0c0c0></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="98%" bgColor=#c0c0c0><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Press release, dated July 31,
  2017.</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE></DIV>
<P align=center><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>1</FONT></P>
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<DIV style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always"></DIV>
<P align=center><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>SIGNATURE</FONT></B></P>
<P ALIGN="LEFT" STYLE="text-indent: 15pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Pursuant to the requirements
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.</FONT></P>
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    <TD noWrap align=left width="49%"></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="51%" colSpan=3><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>GERON CORPORATION</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR>
    <TD width="100%" colSpan=4>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="49%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Date: August 1, 2017</FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>By:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="50%" colSpan=2><FONT style="padding-bottom: 1pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid" face="Times New Roman" size=2>/s/ Olivia
      Bloom&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="49%"></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Name:&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="49%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Olivia K. Bloom</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="49%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Title:</FONT></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="49%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Executive Vice President, Finance,</FONT></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="49%"></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%"></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="49%"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Chief Financial Officer and<BR>
Treasurer</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P align=center><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>2 </FONT></P>
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<DIV style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always"></DIV>
<P align=center><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>EXHIBIT INDEX</FONT></B></P>
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  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid" noWrap align=left width="1%"><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Exhibit
    No.</FONT></B></TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid" noWrap align=left width="1%">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #000000 1pt solid" noWrap align=left width="98%"><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Description</FONT></B></TD></TR>
  <TR vAlign=bottom>
    <TD noWrap style="text-align: center" width="1%" bgColor=#c0c0c0><A HREF="geron31261314-ex991.htm"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>99.1</FONT></A></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="1%" bgColor=#c0c0c0></TD>
    <TD noWrap align=left width="98%" bgColor=#c0c0c0><A HREF="geron31261314-ex991.htm"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Press release, dated July 31,
2017.</FONT></A></TD></TR></TABLE><BR>
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<TYPE>EX-99.1
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>geron31261314-ex991.htm
<DESCRIPTION>PRESS RELEASE, DATED JULY 31, 2017
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<P align=right><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>EXHIBIT 99.1</FONT></B></P>
<P align=center><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Press Release, Dated July 31, 2017</FONT></B></P>
<P align=center><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Geron Announces Updates to Imetelstat
Clinical Development </FONT></B></P>
<P align=center><I><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Conference Call Scheduled for 8:00
a.m. ET on Tuesday, August 1 </FONT></I></P>
<P align=left><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>MENLO PARK, Calif.,</FONT></B><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=1> </FONT></B><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>July 31, 2017
</FONT></B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>-- Geron Corporation (Nasdaq: GERN) today
announced updates to the clinical development plans for IMerge and IMbark, the
ongoing trials of the telomerase inhibitor imetelstat in lower risk
myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and relapsed or refractory myelofibrosis (MF),
respectively, being conducted by Janssen Research &amp; Development, LLC. For
IMerge, Part 1 will be expanded to enroll additional patients in a refined MDS
population to confirm the clinical benefit and safety observed from current
results. For IMbark, the trial remains unchanged. Geron expects that the IMbark
protocol-specified primary analysis, the completion of which triggers a future
Continuation Decision by Janssen, will begin no later than the third quarter of
2018. </FONT></P>
<P align=left><B><I><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>IMerge </FONT></I></B></P>
<P align=left><I><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Original Trial Design </FONT></I></P>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>IMerge (NCT02598661) is a Phase 2/3
clinical trial evaluating imetelstat in transfusion dependent patients with Low
or Intermediate-1 risk MDS who have relapsed after or are refractory to prior
treatment with an erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA). The clinical trial is
in two parts: Part 1 is a Phase 2, open-label, single-arm design in
approximately 30 patients and Part 2 is designed to be a Phase 3, randomized,
controlled trial in approximately 170 patients. The primary efficacy endpoint is
the rate of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion independence (TI) lasting at least
8 weeks.</FONT></P>
<P align=left><I><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Trial Status Update </FONT></I></P>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>In Part 1 of IMerge, 32 patients were
enrolled, of which a subset of 13 patients had not received prior treatment with
either a hypomethylating agent (HMA) or lenalidomide and did not have a del(5q)
chromosomal abnormality. As of May 2017, the 13-patient subset showed an
increased durability and rate of transfusion independence compared to the
overall trial population (&ge;8-week RBC-TI: 53.8% vs 34.4%). The safety profile
in Part 1 was consistent with prior clinical trials of imetelstat in hematologic
malignancies, and no new safety signals were identified. The most common adverse
events were cytopenias, which were manageable, and included grade 3/4
neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. </FONT></P>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Based on these data from the 13-patient
subset, the Joint Steering Committee has decided to amend Part 1 of the protocol
to enroll approximately 20 additional patients who are non-del5q and na&#239;ve to
HMA and lenalidomide treatment in order to increase the experience and confirm
the benefit-risk profile of imetelstat dosed at 7.5 mg/kg every four weeks in
this refined target patient population. Enrollment into the expanded Part 1 is
expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2017. </FONT></P>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Separately, a data package and proposed
refinements to the trial design for Part 2 of IMerge were previously provided to
the FDA following an internal data review completed by Janssen in April, and
related interactions are ongoing. Feedback from ongoing FDA interactions, data
from the expanded Part 1, and other imetelstat program information, including
the protocol-specified primary analysis for IMbark, are expected to inform
Janssen&#146;s decision of whether to move forward to Part 2 of IMerge. </FONT></P>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Detailed results for the original 32 patients in Part 1 of IMerge, including key secondary endpoints of hematologic improvement and rate
of RBC-TI lasting at least 24 weeks, as well as duration of response and
detailed safety information, will be submitted for presentation at a major
medical conference. </FONT></P>
<P align=left><B><I><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>IMbark</FONT></I></B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> </FONT></P>
<P align=left><I><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Trial Status Update</FONT></I><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> </FONT></P>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>IMbark (NCT02426086) is a Phase 2 trial in
patients with Intermediate-2 or High Risk MF who have relapsed after or are
refractory to prior treatment with a JAK inhibitor. The trial continues without
modification, and patients remaining in the treatment phase may continue to
receive imetelstat. All safety and efficacy assessments will be conducted as
planned in the protocol, which includes an assessment of a potential survival
benefit associated with imetelstat treatment. To date, median overall survival
has not yet been reached in either the 4.7 mg/kg
or 9.4 mg/kg dosing arm. Enrollment of new patients to the trial remains
suspended because the total number of patients enrolled to date is adequate to
perform the protocol-specified primary analysis. Geron expects Janssen to
perform an internal data review in the first quarter of 2018 to enable a
potential protocol amendment to allow the long-term treatment and follow-up of
patients, including for survival, beyond the current April 2018 per-protocol
end-of-study date.</FONT></P>
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<DIV style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always"></DIV>

<P align=left><I><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Continuation Decision </FONT></I></P>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>The Joint Steering Committee has agreed
that the timing of the protocol-specified primary analysis for IMbark will begin
upon the earlier of either a pre-specified number of deaths occurring in the
trial or the end of the third quarter of 2018. Following completion of this
primary analysis, which includes an assessment of potential survival benefit
associated with imetelstat treatment, Janssen will notify Geron whether it
elects to maintain the license rights and continue the development of imetelstat
in any indication, i.e., the Continuation Decision. </FONT></P>
<P align=left><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Conference Call </FONT></B></P>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>At 8:00 a.m. EDT on August 1, 2017,
Geron&#146;s management will host a conference call to discuss these updates to
imetelstat clinical development. Participants can access the conference call
live via telephone by dialing 877-303-9139 (U.S.); +1-760-536-5195
(international). The conference ID number is 42220500. A live audio-only webcast
is also available through the company&#146;s website at www.geron.com in the
Investors section under Events and at http://edge.media-server.com/m/p/oqg6hyn5.
The audio webcast of the conference call will be available for replay
approximately one hour following the live broadcast through September 1,
2017.</FONT><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2> </FONT></B></P>
<P align=left><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>About Imetelstat </FONT></B></P>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Imetelstat (GRN163L; JNJ-63935937) is a
potent and specific inhibitor of telomerase that is administered by intravenous
infusion. This first-in-class compound, discovered by Geron, is a specially
designed and modified short oligonucleotide, which targets and binds directly
with high affinity to the active site of telomerase. Preliminary clinical data
suggest imetelstat has disease-modifying activity by inhibiting the progenitor
cells of the malignant clones associated with hematologic malignancies in a
relatively select manner. Most commonly reported adverse events in imetelstat
clinical studies include fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms and cytopenias.
Imetelstat has not been approved for marketing by any regulatory authority.
</FONT></P>
<P align=left><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>About the Collaboration with Janssen
</FONT></B></P>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>On November 13, 2014, Geron entered into
an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Janssen Biotech,
Inc., to develop and commercialize imetelstat for oncology, including
hematologic myeloid malignancies, and all other human therapeutics uses. Under
the terms of the agreement, Geron received an upfront payment of $35 million and
is eligible to receive additional payments up to a potential total of $900
million for the achievement of development, regulatory and commercial
milestones, as well as royalties on worldwide net sales. All regulatory,
development, manufacturing and promotional activities related to imetelstat are
being managed through a joint governance structure, with Janssen responsible for
these activities. The joint governance structure includes a Joint Steering
Committee with equal membership from both companies.</FONT></P>
<P align=left><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>About Geron </FONT></B></P>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Geron is a clinical stage
biopharmaceutical company focused on the collaborative development of a
first-in-class telomerase inhibitor, imetelstat, in hematologic myeloid
malignancies. For more information about Geron, visit www.geron.com. </FONT></P>

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<DIV style="PAGE-BREAK-BEFORE: always"></DIV>
<P align=left><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Use of Forward-Looking Statements
</FONT></B></P>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Except for the historical information
contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements made
pursuant to the &#147;safe harbor&#148; provisions of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that statements in this press
release regarding: (i) continued conduct by Janssen of IMbark and/or IMerge and any
future clinical trials of imetelstat; (ii) amending the protocol for Part 1 of
IMerge to expand enrollment in a refined target patient population; (iii) the
timing for enrollment to begin for the expanded Part 1 of IMerge; (iv) potential
feedback from ongoing FDA interactions; (v) any future presentation of data from
current clinical trials of imetelstat by Janssen at a major medical conference;
(vi) that Janssen will conduct an internal data review for IMbark in the first
quarter of 2018 to enable a potential protocol amendment to allow long-term
treatment and follow-up of patients; (vii) potential outcomes of any data
reviews conducted by Janssen for IMbark or IMerge; (viii) the safety and
efficacy of imetelstat; (ix) that median overall survival may be reached in
IMbark; (x) the timing of the protocol-specified primary analysis for IMbark;
(xi) that the number of patients enrolled to date in IMbark is adequate to
perform the protocol-specified primary analysis and that approximately 20
additional patients in IMerge will be sufficient for decision-making; (xii)
potential receipt by Geron of additional payments up to a potential total of
$900 million for the achievement of development, regulatory and commercial
milestones, and royalties from sales of imetelstat; and (xiii) other statements
that are not historical facts, constitute forward-looking statements. These
statements involve risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to
differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. These risks and
uncertainties, include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties related to:
(i) whether Janssen decides to continue to conduct IMerge and/or IMbark; (ii)
whether imetelstat is safe and efficacious and will succeed in IMbark and/or
IMerge by overcoming all of the clinical safety and efficacy, technical,
scientific, manufacturing and regulatory challenges; (iii) whether the FDA or
other health authorities permit IMbark and/or IMerge to continue to proceed
under the existing protocols or any amendments thereto; (iv) Janssen&#146;s ability
to collect additional and more mature data from current clinical trials of
imetelstat; (v) Geron&#146;s dependence on Janssen for the development, regulatory
approval, manufacture and commercialization of imetelstat, including the risks
that if Janssen were to breach or terminate the collaboration agreement or
otherwise fail to successfully develop and commercialize imetelstat and in a
timely manner, or at all, Geron would not obtain the anticipated financial and
other benefits of the collaboration agreement with Janssen and the clinical
development or commercialization of imetelstat could be delayed or terminated;
(vi) whether any future efficacy or safety results from any clinical trial of imetelstat
may cause the benefit/risk profile of imetelstat to become unacceptable; and
(vii) whether patent coverage of imetelstat enables Janssen to successfully
commercialize imetelstat. Additional information on the above-stated risks and
uncertainties and additional risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements
are contained in Geron&#146;s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the heading &#147;Risk Factors,&#148; including Geron&#146;s quarterly report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. Undue reliance should not be
placed on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are
made, and the facts and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements
may change. Except as required by law, Geron disclaims any obligation to update
these forward-looking statements to reflect future information, events or
circumstances.</FONT></P>
<P align=left><B><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>CONTACT: </FONT></B></P>
<P align=left><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>Anna Krassowska, Ph.D.<BR>Investor and
Media Relations<BR>650-473-7765<BR>investor@geron.com<BR>media@geron.com
</FONT></P>
<P align=center><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=2>### </FONT></P>
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