Marker system for preparing and characterizing high-quality human embryonic stem cells

Patent Number: 7,153,650

This patent covers the use of the gastrin related peptide receptor (GRP receptor) as a marker of embryonic stem cell differentiation. Essentially when embryonic stem cells differentiate they start to downregulate expression of GRP receptor.

This assay is useful for knowing the state of differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Since Geron is anticipating to enter clinical trials shortly, the IP coverage of not only the stem cells themselve, but also quality control measures is important. For example, if Geron did go through the FDA regulatory process and validated downregulation of GRP receptor as a critical quality control step in stem cell therapeutics, then any other company wanted to go through the regulatory process would either have to develop their own assay, or license this one from Geron.

View this patent on the USPTO website.