Geron Corp is a biopharmaceuticals company based in California. Geron specializes in researching anti-cancer drugs, and treatments for heart disease, diabetes and spinal cord injuries.Official Site: About Geron

Geron was the first company to receive permission to do a clinical trial using stem cells as treatment. Geron's stock rose sharply after the January 23, 2009 announcement and throughout the following week. Forbes: Geron shares rise on potential stem cell policy (January 26, 2009)

On January 23, 2009, Geron Corp received clearance from the FDA to proceed with the world's first clinical trial utilizing human embryonic stem cells in a medical treatment.Geron will treat between eight and 10 spinal cord patients with embryonic stem cells. It is hoped that the injected cells will help repair damaged nerves and tissues.WashingtonPost.com: FDA Oks 1st Embryonic Stem Cell Trial (January 23, 2009) It is believed that the Obama administration may ease restrictions on federal funding for stem cell research.Forbes: Geron shares rise on potential stem cell policy (January 26, 2009)

"This marks the dawn of a new era in medical therapeutics. This approach is one that reaches beyond pills and scalpels to achieve a new level of healing."—Dr. Thomas Okarma, CEO of Geron CorpWashingtonPost.com: FDA Oks 1st Embryonic Stem Cell Trial (January 23, 2009)

"This is not just a comet across our sky, this is really more like dawn. We are beginning a vast human experiment, and we have been waiting an extremely long time to get to this point. This is a very significant development."'—Peter Kiernan, chairman of the Christopher And Dana Reeve FoundationWashingtonPost.com: FDA Oks 1st Embryonic Stem Cell Trial (January 23, 2009)