Geron Corporation (Geron), is developing therapeutic products for the treatment of cancer and chronic degenerative diseases, including spinal cord injury, heart failure and diabetes. The Company is advancing telomerase targeted therapies, including an anti-cancer drug and a cancer vaccine, through multiple clinical trials. Geron also develops human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-based therapeutics. The Company is developing anti-cancer therapies based on telomerase inhibitors and telomerase therapeutic vaccines. Geron is also researching compounds that transiently activate telomerase in senescent cells to restore cell function for the treatment of injuries and chronic diseases. In August 2008, Geron and Exeter Life Sciences, Inc. announced the merger of Start Licensing, Inc. joint venture between Geron and Exeter Life Sciences, and ViaGen, Inc., a subsidiary of Exeter Life Sciences.