Geron, J&J deal

Geron granted Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Biotech Inc. unit exclusive, worldwide rights to develop and commercialize imetelstat. Earlier this month, FDA lifted a full clinical hold on company-sponsored trials of imetelstat, including a Phase II trial to treat essential thrombocythemia (ET)/polycythemia vera (PV) and a second Phase II trial to treat multiple myeloma (MM) (see BioCentury, Nov. 10).

A Phase II trial to treat myelofibrosis (MF) is expected to begin in mid-2015. Following either a primary analysis of a Phase II MF trial, or the beginning of the first Phase III MF study, Janssen must elect to maintain its license or return rights to Geron. If Janssen elects the former, Geron may opt to share U.S. development costs at a rate of 20% Geron, 80% Janssen in exchange for an option to co-promote, additional milestones and higher royalties. ...